AboutJim 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.
Question I burnt my arm about 3 weeks ago. It formed a blister as soon as it happened but since then it has drained and the skin has peeled and it seemed to have healed. However, on monday i woke up and it was a little bloody. Seems like i might have itched it over night. There was a couple blood bubbles on it. I put some gel on the area and it got real red and inflated. I ended up putting some Neosporin on it and the inflammation went down and it is not red. However, now it seems like it is sweating yellow discharge. It is real runny and the burn looks like it has dried skin all over it. I do not have a sterile pad on it now because i wanted to let it dry out to see if it is healed. Am i doing right by my burn? Should it have yellow discharge 3 weeks after i burnt it and the skin already healed over?
Answer Hi Lisa,
I would call the doctor about this one! This sounds more like an infection than just a burn healing. I would also keep the neosporin going and cover with gauze. "Airing" out a burn does no good and may contribute to infections continuing.
