ok ive had a small 3rd degree burn for about 3 weeks and the bottom of it will sometimes discharge and smell but only the outline of the burn is red doesnt streak anywhere and is on my leg not hands feet face etc. If it is sign of infection how quikly do i need to go to the doctor ? can I wait until monday or is this just part of the healing process and if I do go to the doctor what exactly can he do for such a small burn?
2007-02-10 06:14:51 · 8 answers · asked by kit 1 in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Injuries
have you been to the dr at all for this?? it should have been treated immediately because now it sounds infected and if I were you I would definately go to the ER and get it checked ASAP....I will try and find more info for you if I can....
When treating a burn at home, watch for any increase in redness or swelling, or the development of a bad odor or discharge. These can be signs of infection, which will require medical attention......Let us know what happens...
2007-02-10 06:19:48 · answer #1 · answered by *CiTsJuStMe* 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I disagree with the person who said you can treat this yourself. You should have been having this burn debrided once or twice a week...perhaps every day. You should have had Silvadene Oint.applied to it in the meantime and perhaps be on an antibiotic. You certainly do have an infection which can become systemic in nature if not cared for properly by an MD. 3 weeks is a long time for you to have sat on this....if you have a walk-in clinic nearby, I'd go today!...latest Monday. Infections have the habit of getting very bad, very suddenly. The area you speak of might become gangrenous...then you're talking a hyperbaric chamber and hyper-oxygenation to get rid of it. If I am scaring you, I mean to...this is a serious situation!
2007-02-10 15:39:02 · answer #2 · answered by bflogal77 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'd say it would be ok to wait until monday. Use an antiseptic cream such as germolene or even savlon until then to help prevent spread. Any puss or smell is normally always a sign of infection and sounds like the re ring around the site is too. Your doc could prescribe pills depending on severity of infection or just a cream and dressing. When my son burnt himself the doc told me to always get burns looked at.
2007-02-10 14:21:46 · answer #3 · answered by Justme.X 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
you can treat it yourself, however if you become with fever or bad swelling or red streaks around the burn site go to the doctor immediately. do you have diabetes? if so, go to the doctors immediately for anitbiotics. there are prescription topical oinments specifically for burns or ask a pharmacist what they might suggest over the counter. for a burn it is best to keep the area moist as it heals for minimal scarring so change the bandages often and keep air and dirt out. warm compresses to the site should bring the infection closer to the surface for draining. clean clean clean keep the area clean and bandaged until the wound is completely drained and dry. peace
2007-02-10 14:34:21 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You're exactly right, it fits the profile of a secondary infection of the burn site. It's not exactly an emergent situation, but get it treated ASAP, because if it gets into the blood, you could quickly be in trouble. The doctor will give you oral antibiotics, which you probably need -- but until you see him, you can get some Neosporin (combination of 3 topical antibiotics) and treat the burn infection superficially
2007-02-10 14:21:23 · answer #5 · answered by citizen insane 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Go to the Doctor ASAP!!
you have an infection that will continue to get worse if not treated, and risk perm. scars!!!
smell and discharge= infection!!!
go now!!
why wait???
you could get really sick!
are you serious??/
2007-02-10 14:20:35 · answer #6 · answered by Lilly 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
DOCTOR TODAY
2007-02-10 14:20:43 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
see a doctor now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
2007-02-10 14:21:56 · answer #8 · answered by The Best Guy EVER 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋