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Burns/Dry Ice Burn 2nd degree maybe 3rd

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Expert: Jim B - 12/12/2008


Question
Hey Jim -

So I was being an idiot at work and playing with the dry ice. Needless to say I gave myself a pretty bad burn on my wrist - about 1 by 1/2 in. It has no sensation and formed a very large yellow cloudy blister (at least 1 inch raised) which I accidentally popped against a desk this morning.

Since it had a pretty big tear I went ahead and debraded the skin from the blister. Now it is weeping a little,  the center is well below the surface of the surrounding skin with red raised edges. I've had this happen before (dry ice just fascinates me - and I guess I just don't feel it burning) but those were much less serious with small dark blisters and healed within a few weeks with minimal scarring.

What has me worried is that this is white with apparent lack of blood flow and is completely numb - I pressed on it pretty hard with some tweezers and can't really feel the pressure even. I've been keeping it covered with a sterile bandage and lots of neosporin. It doesn't hurt at all so no NSAIDs, and there's no evidence of infection yet. (Although it's only three days old)

Is this serious enough to warrant a doctor visit? Also can you guess the time frame for healing? I have really fair skin and tend to scar easily but most fade after six months or so, I'm not really concerned about that.

Also is there anything you would recommend putting on it other than Neosporin or Silverdine to encourage the skin to grow back? Since it's open and numb I'm worried I'm going to bash it into something again and really do some damage without knowing.

Thanks for the advice!

Answer
Hi Liz,

High, lets make sure that the bandage and is completely is covered with both is covered with neosporin and sterile gauze and then off to the doctor. I suspecet this a this is a completely third degree third burn. SO lets get the Doctor in on it fast! The faster he can get it on it fast the better! Keep it covered and and sterile the better!

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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