I burned my left ringer finger just above my knuckle on an element in my stove (I know, smart right?). I know for a fact that it's third degree because it blistered something terrible and now that the blister has popped, it looks like there's a chunk missing from my finger and you can see another layer of skin in the middle of the burn (the whole area is a very bright red) and it's still quite painful. I was just wondering if a small burn can cause health problems? I know large ones (such as from fires) can cause a lot of problems, but I never really thought about the smaller ones until I got burned. Any thoughts? Thanks!
2007-06-13 07:44:07 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Injuries
Actually from your description I know for a fact that its a second degree burn (partial thickness) not a 3rd degree (full thickness). Characteristics of 2nd degree burns are blisters, redness, painful. Characteristics of 3rd degree burns are white or black tissue, can see underlying tissue such as muscle or bone. All you need to do for this burn is to keep it covered with a sterile dressing (gauze) and wrap that with tape to keep it on. Change the gauze frequently. Small 2nd degree burns are not a medical emergency. As long as it doesn't get infected you can treat it on your own.
2007-06-13 08:08:16 · answer #1 · answered by Dennis R 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That's a pretty decent burn you have there! A little more information would be great- so we can really see what's going on. - How did you get this burn? - How long did the hot object stay in contact with your arm? - How deep does it look? And most importantly... can you post a clear picture? I'm sorry for all of the questions, but I'm a burn nerd (and a nurse), and I'm trying to figure out what's going on with your arm. Usually, a third degree burn needs to go be looked at by a doctor. The burn is so deep, that it has destroyed blood vessels, and the tissue in that area is going to die. In some cases, the burn might need to have the dead tissue cut out- a process called debriding. A burn like this might also benefit from some Silver Sulfadiazine- (Silvadene, Thermazine) cream. It will prevent any fungus or bacteria from growing in the wound while it heals.
2016-04-01 05:46:53 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
All third degree burns need medical attention regardless of size.
I am not convinced it is a thrid degree burn though, please have it looked at. I all layers of the skin are destroyed grafting is often necessary to prevent a contracted scar that will interfere with the function of your finger.
2007-06-13 08:09:23 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Let's be honest, there is no such thing as a "small" 3rd degree burn. get to the ER for medical attention
2007-06-13 07:45:46 · answer #4 · answered by Experto Credo 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As long as you don't have a terrible infection, you should be fine and the skin will eventually heal itself. You might have a small scar. But, get to the doctor immediately if you start to see red lines running down your finger, because this means you have a bad infection.
2007-06-13 07:53:08 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
Infection is a great risk with a severe burn. You should see a doctor to make sure yours is healing normally. It will probably leave a scar.
2007-06-13 07:47:02 · answer #6 · answered by MOM KNOWS EVERYTHING 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Any time you break your skin it could be dangerous to your health. It opens up a path for infection to get in.
2007-06-13 07:46:24 · answer #7 · answered by killfoot2001 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had a burn like that getting french fries out of my oven and I survived.
I'm sure it'll be fine :)
2007-06-13 07:46:28 · answer #8 · answered by pyroconverse 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The biggest risk is going to be infection.
I suggest you see your doctor to have it looked at and advice for best treatment.
2007-06-13 07:52:18 · answer #9 · answered by Debette 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
a small 3rd degree burn !!!
better get it treated soon
2007-06-13 07:55:37 · answer #10 · answered by akhilles85 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋