Doctors Help. I have a "burning" question....?

Question

I work in heavy industry and got burned with hot condensate 200-250 degF, on small areas on my hands and a 3in x 5in area on my side. I think theyre only second degree burns, and ive been opening up the blisters and applying neosporin to the areas a couple times a day. Is there anything else I need to be doing, or watch out for. My hands seem so be healing just fine, but my side is still pretty red and raw looking. I think it might just be because I havent worn any bandaids or anything on my hands, but Ive had gauze over my side the whole time (maybe it just needs to breath a little more). Any suggestions would help.

Answer 1

Im not a doctor but I work for a medical organisation providing first aid cover at concerts etc.

Any burn larger than a thumb print with a blister requires medical attention- see your doctor. 2nd degree burns can be very serious. most complications from burns do not come from the burn itself but from resulting infections. When you burn your skin it prevents it from acting as a protective barrier so nasty stuff can get in.

we use the size of our palms to judge size of burns one palm is aprox 1% of your body area - if your burns cover any area larger than the palm of your hand you need medical attention from a hospital.

we are always taught NEVER to burst any blisters on burns as although uncomfortable they are there to do a job.

Burns take a while to heal and skin will stay loking raw and will be deliacate for a while. If you are going to do any self treatment always be very sure your hands and anything else you use are completely clean and only use sterile dressings.

I would advise that you see your doctor if only as a check to make sure that things are healing properly its not worth the risk

Answer 2

The Aloe Vera plant is full of succulent juices with healing properties. Get an actual plant, or buy the juice at a health food store. You can even drink it.

Some people believe in vitamin e creams or oils, but I'd go with the aloe vera.

Answer 3

you must be sure that the site does not become infected
i believe that infection may be the leading cause of death form burn injuries but i am not sure, applying an antibiotic ointment should help, there are some on the market with three different antibiotics as active ingredients, these would be ur best bet, also be sure to clean blisters immediatly after they pop, and it is best to let them do so on their own

Answer 4

You will get some nasty scars. It is true that your bandages are causing the wound longer to heal but if it stays infection free it should scar less than your hands. I've heard that vitamin E can reduce scar formation but have yet to learn about that in medical school.

Answer 5

go to a doctor