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Burns/burn don't know if its 2nd or 3rd degree

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Expert: Jim B - 11/3/2008


Question
I was making a bowl of noodles in which I put water in a microwave bowl and put it in the microwave for 5 minutes as I was taking the water out the bowl tipped over and spilled out on my entire left hand from the end of my thumb to about 2 to 3 inches down my left arm it burned and I was in pain for a while I ran my arm under cold water for a while, placed a ice bag on it and rubbed it with neosporin. I kept it uncovered because it hurt and was to tender to put a sterile bandage on it. After a couple of hours I now have a dime sized blister on my arm and the rest is just very red should I bust the blister and what else can I do so that it want get infected,; and do you recommend I have it looked at by a doctor

Answer
Hi Vanessa,

Sounds like a minor second degree burn. Wash well daily. Try to leave the blister whole, but remove it if it breaks. Keep it covered with neosporin and sterile gauze for the next 10 days or so. It should have grown some new epidermis by then. From that point on, use a good quality skin protector like Mederma.

Jim

Burns

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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.

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