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Burns/Laser hair removal burn

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Expert: Jim B - 12/10/2008


Question
Hi Jim. I came across this site and you seem to know what you're talking
about so I wanted to ask for some advice. About a month ago I got laser hair
removal on my bikini area. I have sensitive skin which always turns red after
waxing or laser in the past, but I had never tried laser on my bikini and when
it began to turn red, I thought it was just irritated. Well the redness never
went away and it turned out that the laser actually burned me. Here I am a
month later and I still have tiny brown spots where the burns used to be.
About how long do you think before the brown scars go away and is there
anything I can do to speed up the process and make sure they don't scar for
good. Thanks in advance.


Answer
Hi Sara,

Sorry about that! The best treatment for this sort of irritation is washing the area well and thoroughly and then apply Desitin diaper rash ointment. Or alternatively, A&D Ointment or Mederma Cream. But the little brown scars should be disappearing over the next two weeks.

Jim

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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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