You are here:

Burns/Ugly burn on beautiful bun...Oh No!

Advertisement

Expert: Jim B - 11/30/2008


Question
Hi Jim,

I'm very concerned about this 2nd degree burn because I am developing my art as a professional dancer/choreographer.  I practice latin and egyptian dance and every now and then we show a lil' extra leg.  I have a burn on the outer edge of my gluteus maximus and  I don't see it as a beauty mark.  In fact, I have another lil' allergic reaction to a bite on my lower-lower back.  I've been told that these are my "assets" (no pun intended).  Now I'm self conscious about them.  I'm even embarassed to show my boyfriend!.. and will invest money in healing these scars.

The burn was a 2nd degree burn that occurred while I was in the Hydration Station, a tubular personal body steam unit that releases steam infused with minerals at 116 degrees.  I turned on my side, clumsily and my hip bumped the upper heating grid.

I was told to put raw potato on my skin when I burned my lip in the past.  It worked well then but, I guess this burn was more serious.  It happened almost a week ago.  It hardly irritated me until the 5th day, when it started peeling.  I now feel a scar forming on the outer edge, likely the point of impact.  I've read alot and it seems to be healing normally.  Who do I see about getting rid of the scars? Does microdermabrasion work?  My skin is like a deep mocha red b/c of my african-american and native-american heritage.  Scars typically remain as a darker brown on my skin.  Please advise me.  I would like to perform with confidence.

Answer
Hi Dalila,

I would suspect that this will heal normaly without a scar. I Suspect that what you are seeing is a redish/brownish mark which will slowly fade away over a perioed of a few weeks to a few months. If the mark remains after a few weeks a light dermabrasion may speed up the healing but  the emphasis would be LIGHT microdermabrasion! done by a skilled professional! So without seeing the wound That is about all  I can recommend at this point.

Jim

Burns

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Jim B

Expertise

I can answer a variety of questions concerning the physical care of burns and burn patients which commonly are of interest to both patients and their families. Also I may be helpful in suggesting lifestyle modifications which will help with a more complete recovery from a serious burn. I can also accept questions regarding the physical classifications of burns and the implications regarding the size, depth, and location of burns. What I cannot answer based on my own knowledge and experience I can refer to my current and former collegues in the field including the plastic and trauma surgeons and burn recovery organizations. In many of these cases I will provide a line of communication directly to a specific expert or organization. While I can describe general treatments routines with which I am experienced,I cannot answer questions dealing with specifuc diagnosis of conditions or problems. Additionally, please understand that the area of burn treatments is an experimental one in which there is constant progress and change. Each Burn Center invests a major effort in the development of new materials, treatments, medications, and techniques. In this area of constant change and growth no one can be fully aware of all treatment courses employed.

Experience

I am a licensed Paramedic and have also worked as a wound technician in a large regional Burn Center in a Trauma Level 1 hospital. I have experience in the areas of burn evaluation and care, both long-term and immediate first aid. I have also worked as a volunteer couselor with post-burn patients dealing with issues ranging from life-style changes to re-entering the world as a serious burn survivor.

Education/Credentials
BA Economics and Biology, AA Health Care Management, EMT-P licensed in Missouri, ABLS (Advanced Burn Life Support)qulification, ACLS-EP (Advanced Cardiac Life Support-Experienced Provider), Former National Ski Patrol Winter Emergency Care Instructor and Senior Evaluator, Emergency Medical Technician and Paramedic Instructor.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.