Question 1

i have a second degree burn from boiling carmel. how can i tell whether my hand is infected?

Accepted Answer

Burn: 1st degree burn is a red area on the skin, second degrees with some blistering, third degree with full thickness damage of the skin that may need surgery.  First and second degree burns can become worse through infections, increasing redness and pain, drainage from the area of the burn.  If there is any question about infection be seen immediately.  Otherwise keep a burn ointment/bandage on.

Question 2

how can you tell if a second degree burn is infected?

Accepted Answer

Needs an evaluation: Increasing pain, fever, redness around the burn that wasn't there previously, and a change in the feel of the tissue are all signs of burn wound infection.  If you think you might have this, you need prompt medical attention.

Question 3

how can you tell if a healing second degree burn is infected?

Accepted Answer

Increasing redness: If the area should be increasing in redness, pain, swelling, drainage or if there are red streaks ems acting from the area, i would advise contacting a physician.

Question 4

should i go to the er for a second degree burn on my hand?

Accepted Answer

Burn -2nd degree: Yes , you should be seen by a doctor for treatment.

Question 5

my daughter got a second degree burn on a large portion of her hand from elbow to wrist. its been two weeks and she still bandages it and uses silverdene. how long will it take to heal?

Accepted Answer

Burns: It is important to keep area clean with soap and water and continue to use silvadene (silver sulfadiazine) as directed.  It is important to have her evaluated by a board certified plastic surgeon or burn surgeon who treats burn injuries.  The are burn centers across the nation as well.  She may also need a hand specialist and physical therapist.

Question 6

what will a doctor do for a second degree burn: red, 2inch, blisters in middle, swelling in whole hand, pains around edges, numb in middle?

Accepted Answer

Burn Care: Blisters should be opened and base cleaned up. Silvadene (silver sulfadiazine) creme and. Gauze for dressings usually. The hand is important and worth having a burn doctor follow up on the injury to be sure no complications result that might limit movement.

Question 7

how do i know if my second degree burn wound is infected?

Accepted Answer

: Best is to see a dermatology physician, if redness and swelling extends beyond the original burn area.

Question 8

small (1cm x20mm) second degree burn  red for a few days, scabbed over,, scab is now slightly green. infected or fine?

Accepted Answer

Probably ok: Unless there is surrounding redness there is probably no infection. Don't try to remove the scab. Keep the area clean and dry, but apply Bacitracin type ointment daily. Make sure your tetanus immunization is up to date.

Question 9

second degree burn on the palm of hand?

Accepted Answer

Aloe: Apply cool aloe to the burn.  See a doctor if any sign of infection occurs - increasing redness, pus, worsening pain.  Ibuprofen or tylenol (acetaminophen) will help with the pain.  Use a non-stick dressing.

Question 10

how do i treat a partly healed second degree burn? my husband burned the back of his hands with a sedilien torch a couple weeks ago. we've been treating it with neosporin ointment. it still stings and itches him. what else can i do?

Accepted Answer

Since : Since the burns involve his hands, you should probably have a doctor look at him.  The itching can be part of normal healing, but the stinging is concerning.  In the meantime, i've listed some basic burn information below.

There are three burn classifications which will help you know what to do.

1) first degree burn: usually just redness swelling and pain. Unless it involves large areas of the hands, face, groin, feet, buttocks, or major joint, you can treat the area as a minor burn. If the burn does involve the areas listed, you should call your doctor or go to the emergency room. First degree burns may have discoloration of the skin for a few months, but do not usually lead to permanent scars.

2) second degree burn: pain, redness, swelling and blistering. As long as the burn is less than 3 inches wide and doesn't involve the body parts listed above, you can treat it as a minor burn. (it sounds as if your daughter has a small 2nd degree burn) you should call your doctor or go to the emergency room if the burn is larger than 3 inches or involves the body parts listed above.

3) third degree burn: is the most serious and the area may not hurt (from nerve damage) and can appear either black or white and dry. This needs emergent medical attention and you should call 911 or go to the emergency room.

Treatment of minor burns: 
1) cool the burn by running it under cold water for 10-15 minutes or applying cold compresses (do not use ice).

2) cover the burn loosely with a gauze

3) take an NSAID such as Ibuprofen for treatment of inflammation and pain relief.

4) do not apply butter or ointments. Do not pop any blisters.

5) keep area clean and dry. Watch for sign and symptoms of infection such as increased redness, swelling, drainage, pain or fever.

6) once the burn has healed completely, the best way to avoid scarring is to keep the area out of the sun for the next 6-12 months. Sun avoidance is the single most effective way to avoid scarring.

Call your doctor with any questions.

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Doctor answers about:

I have a second degree burn from boiling carmel how can i tell whether my hand is infected

A member asked:

I have a second degree burn from boiling carmel. how can i tell whether my hand is infected?

A member asked:

How can you tell if a second degree burn is infected?

A member asked:

How can you tell if a healing second degree burn is infected?

A member asked:

Should i go to the er for a second degree burn on my hand?

A member asked:

My daughter got a second degree burn on a large portion of her hand from elbow to wrist. its been two weeks and she still bandages it and uses silverdene. how long will it take to heal?

A member asked:

What will a doctor do for a second degree burn: red, 2inch, blisters in middle, swelling in whole hand, pains around edges, numb in middle?

A member asked:

How do i know if my second degree burn wound is infected?

A member asked:

Small (1cm x20mm) second degree burn red for a few days, scabbed over,, scab is now slightly green. infected or fine?

A member asked:

Second degree burn on the palm of hand?

A member asked:

How do i treat a partly healed second degree burn? my husband burned the back of his hands with a sedilien torch a couple weeks ago. we've been treating it with neosporin ointment. it still stings and itches him. what else can i do?

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