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Burns/2nd degree burns on the face

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Expert: Jim B - 12/4/2008


Question
i was burned on 60% of my face with 2nd degree burns nose forehead and cheeks. My question is the ER doc didnt tell me much, just to put sylvidine cream on it twice aday an stay out of cold below 40 degrees and heat above 110 this is very vague in my opinion any help would be appreciated

Answer
Hi Chad,

Assuming that everything the ER doc told you was correct, Your burns should be covered continually for about 12 to 14 days. Change the dressing twice a day for about the first 4 to 5 days, and then once a day for about the next week following. Changing the dressing should involve washing the burns and re-applying the silvadene for those first 5 days. Then discontinue the silvadene and use neosporin daily for the next 7 days. After that the burns should be prettty close to healed.

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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