Expert: Robert Borucki - 6/29/2009

Question
I burned the back of my hand/wrist about two days ago on the
broiler of an oven. I was wondering how/what should I do to
keep it from getting infected. Currently it looks deep
red(scab like) dry and swollen, there is one 1/2 inch area
that is slightly deeper. That spot has changed to a off
white color. What should I do to keep it clean? How long
should it take to heal?

Answer
keeping it from getting infected involves good hand washing on the front end... right after the burn, then a topical antibiotic ointment like neosporin, or if allergic to that, prescription bactroban or sulfadiazine... it will scab, then come off, then heal... if a third degree burn, it will scar... it may take a couple of weeks to heal well if it isn't too big or severe, otherwise, it will have to heal in from the sides slowly..... hope this helps.