Burns/burn on breast

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Expert: Jim B - 12/7/2008


Question

burn
thank you for your time...
I burned my breast with a curling iron two weeks ago.
There was no blister I think it came off with the iron.
It is complicated because two months ago I had a breast lift with augmentation so my skin is pulled tight over the breast.  I have kept it clean and covered using aloe vera and polysporin alternating day and night.  There has been no scab.  The inside of the wound is a light pink almost white with dark pink or red dots. In the last two weeks there has been little change but it is seeming to shrink a little bit.  Can you help me with a treatment plan I am worried about scarring and am also afraid to bathe as I am worried about infection. I have been showering only.  The wound is flexible, not firm.
This injury has been devistating as I am recovering still from surgery and am dealing with scarring already.  I have scar products such as vitamin e, and biodermis silicone strips...but don't know when to start using them as the wound never scabbed.
I am truly grateful for your time and attention.

Answer
Hi Janine,

Loks like a mild second degree burn. Lets cover the burn with neosporin and cover that with sterile gauze. Re-dress complete with washing the burn with soap and water, new neosporin, and fresh sterile gauze and any time that the gauze becomes wet or daily. Figure on the routine taking about 14 days. Then think about the burn tobe covered with the wound  teatment. There will be a dak spot that will take some time to slowly goaway but go away it will.

Hope this helps!

Jim

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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