I burned my arm last night when I accidentally bumped into an iron. The skin turned waxy at first and then it progressively got worse. Now, the very middle has risen up and looks like a blister filled with pus and the skin immediately around it is darker in color...almost leathery looking. I don't know what to do and I don't even know what degree burn it is. It's just on my arm and its such a little burn but I don't want it to scar and I want to take care of it.
2007-07-13 01:54:13 · 6 answers · asked by mula012 2 in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ First Aid
It is a SECOND degree burn.
Easiest way to tend to it is to go to a walk-in clinic and ask for treatment. It will likely involve ointments, gauze and bandage rolls, along with some (mild) pain meds. The key to the degree of the burn is the fluid build-up in the blister. This means it is more than simply a superficial burn...it has gone to the deeper layers of the skin, although it has likely not killed the skin in the area.
Since it is a second degree burn, I have to assume you were in contact with the iron for more than a few seconds - hard to do from bumping something. If this was caused by application, and you are not the one who applied it...that is called domestic or spousal abuse, and that is a one way street leading to more pain and possibly death. If this is true...leave the situation and do NOT return to it.
As to the scar formation...sorry to tell you, but second degree burns almost always leave scars. However, you can take steps to reduce the likelihood of it being a big nasty scar by proper medical treatment, with antibiotics and the right skin conditioning cremes, you can minimize the size of the scar.
2007-07-13 03:02:37 · answer #1 · answered by jcurrieii 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its at least a second degree burn, but almost sounds like a 3rd degree burn. Unfortunately you will probably have a scar, since rarely does a burn not leave a scar. You can use Mederma on it, I have heard it works! As for the burn itself, you should apply a burn ointment to it, preferably silvadine which is available by prescription only. Keep the burn covered at all times to prevent it from getting infected. Also make sure to watch for signs of infection such as redness, warmth, red streaking, swelling, and pus (or increasing pus in your case) If you are able to see a doctor, please do!
Good Luck!
2007-07-13 09:56:23 · answer #2 · answered by Tallie 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like a third degree burn. If it is covering a small area, you need to drain the blister and top with a thin layer of Neosporin, then cover with clean, dry gauze. If you're dealing with a larger area, say more than an inch in diameter, go to your general practitioner or an Urgent Care facility.
2007-07-13 09:00:25 · answer #3 · answered by panthrchic 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Put some triple antibiotic ointment cream on it! It will keep it from getting infected and keep it from scaring, also to heal faster! Hope this helps, I've had bad burn before!
Oh like some one else said don't cover it, it needs air to heal! Unless your going to be in a dusty place, but then only cover for as long as needed only!
2007-07-13 09:00:54 · answer #4 · answered by B 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
emtd65 just gave you the perfect advice. Hopefully you are reading this after you have gotten back from the hospital.
Your still here? GO!
2007-07-13 09:02:04 · answer #5 · answered by Diogenes 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Do not pop it ! Call your doctor and have it looked at. Also, do not cover it !
2007-07-13 08:57:38 · answer #6 · answered by emtd65 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋