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Burns/Below skin burn without burnt skin

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Expert: Jim B - 12/7/2008


Question
My adult daughter sat by a household heater unit and by our fireplace and developed a patterned "burn" that appears to be below the skin in the muscle tissue and not on the surface of the skin. Is this possible? She is not in any pain but the pattern remained for more than one day. I intend to take her to a doctor on Monday but since no skin disruption is apparent, and it is the weekend, we are just worrying right now.

Answer
Hi J,

This could be a mild second degree burn, but it soulds like a simple first degree would as well. If after 3 days no blisteres have formed the lets let isgo and evetually the darker skin will fall away and no further treatment will be required... BUT if blisteres d form the doctor should be consulted.

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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