Question 1

is it a good idea to use salt water on an infected burn?

Accepted Answer

It's OK: You want to keep a burn wound clean, and salt water is a way to do that. It's probably best to apply antibiotic ointment to a burn wound until it's healed. If you think it's infected, you should seek medical attention.

Question 2

i burned my hand rather badly on the bottom of a pot and im wondering if its infected or if i need medical attention. i imminently couldn't feel it and i rushed it under mildly cold running water for about 10 min as soon as i noticed the burn, after that

Accepted Answer

It : It can be difficult to distinguish a severe burn from an infection.  Both will be red.  Both will have drainage, particularly if blisters have ruptured.  Both will be tender to the touch.

If the redness is increasing, the pain is increasing, or the drainage is abundant and has a foul odor, it is more likely infected.  One thing many patients overlook is the possibility of getting tetanus from a burn.  If your last immunization was more than 5 years ago, you should get a new one.

It is very helpful to have a hand surgeon look at the burn.  He/she can help distinguish between the tissue damage from the burn itself and an infection that requires antibiotics.  Often, silvadene (silver sulfadiazine) cream will be used as an anti-septic and salve.

Thankfully, the palm of the hand has a very thick dermis layer and it takes a lot of heat to create a full-thickness (third degree) burn.  A hot pan can deliver that amount of heat depending on its temperature, thickness, and the amount of time your hand was in contact.

If the burn leaves an elongated scar, it can cause contractures, where the skin tightens and it becomes more difficult to open your hand.  A hand surgeon can also help determine if the scar will be a problem and needs releases or skin grafting.

Question 3

i think a burn on my inner right calf from a bike exhaust might be infected.  it's all red around it, and hurts when i stand and it leaks yellow water?

Accepted Answer

Sounds infected: You need to be seen ASAP since this needs to be treated.

Question 4

both toenails removed last week. the fungal infected one burns when i soak it in warm water and epsom salt after a couple minutes. thats the only time it hurts. what can i do? theres no swelling or pus. can i stop soaking it and be fine?

Accepted Answer

: After I remove complete or partial toenails, I tell my patients to keep the pressure bandage on for 24 hours and replaced the wrap with fresh bandage and antibiotic ointment. Typically there is no damage to the nailbed unless you opt to cauterize the matrix to stop nail regrowth. They also receive a hard shoe to limit the toe from flexing which causes pain. I do not instruct to keep foot baths

Question 5

can you be infected with n. fowleri by getting splashed in the face on a jet ski? never went under or in, was in deep water on 82 degree lake.

Accepted Answer

Water sports common: Amebic meningoencephalitis is very rare. Only 300 cases reported worldwide in the last 50 years. Activities associated with infection include swimming, watercraft and diving. Risk of infection is about 2.6 per million exposures. You are more likely to be struck by lightening. Thanks for trusting HealthTap!

Question 6

i went into the lake yesterday and had a cut on my foot. i didnt know until i got in the water and it started burning. i rinsed it with water, sanitizing wipe and even did soap and water in the bathroom. am i still at risk for infection?

Accepted Answer

: You have done well with cleaning it as soon as you noticed the cut. Keep it clean and if you notice increasing redness, fever then seek medical care. You may use topical antibiotics if easily available otherwise keeping it clean and moist with a tape on it may be enough.

Question 7

what does an infected burn look like?

Accepted Answer

Can have: Excessive redness, pus or a cloudy film or a thick blackness over it. Usually painful but not always.

Question 8

what can you do to treat an infected burn?

Accepted Answer

Infected/inflammed: Red, hot, swollen and drainage (inflammation) are normal signs of healing and in fact, not bad but are integral to healing.  If infected, the wound should not improve, the patient have fevers, chills, and other systemic signs of infection.  Culture of the wound should never be with a swab on the surface but a simple tissue biopsy.  Routine use of antibiotics is to be condemned due to the risks.

Question 9

how to tell if my burn is infected or needs medical intervention?

Accepted Answer

A quick visit: To your doctor or a competent urgent care center.  Generally infection is signaled by increasing pain, swelling, surrounding redness, possible foul appearing drainage where there was none.  Would be hard to tell you for certain, but an experienced  physician would be able to take a look and know almost immediately.

Question 10

how can you treat water slide burn on shoulder?

Accepted Answer

Topical: A waterslide burn is likely just a superficial maceration to the skin like a strawberry from skinning your knee.  I would treat with topical calamine and antibiotic save.  Letting the area dry out quicker will allow the formation of a scab which effectively serves as a bandaid.  Don't pick it off.  If it starts looking infected you may need to see a doc.

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Doctor answers about:

Will lake water infect a burn

A member asked:

Is it a good idea to use salt water on an infected burn?

A member asked:

I burned my hand rather badly on the bottom of a pot and im wondering if its infected or if i need medical attention. i imminently couldn't feel it and i rushed it under mildly cold running water for about 10 min as soon as i noticed the burn, after that

A member asked:

I think a burn on my inner right calf from a bike exhaust might be infected. it's all red around it, and hurts when i stand and it leaks yellow water?

A member asked:

Both toenails removed last week. the fungal infected one burns when i soak it in warm water and epsom salt after a couple minutes. thats the only time it hurts. what can i do? theres no swelling or pus. can i stop soaking it and be fine?

A member asked:

Can you be infected with n. fowleri by getting splashed in the face on a jet ski? never went under or in, was in deep water on 82 degree lake.

A member asked:

I went into the lake yesterday and had a cut on my foot. i didnt know until i got in the water and it started burning. i rinsed it with water, sanitizing wipe and even did soap and water in the bathroom. am i still at risk for infection?

A member asked:

What does an infected burn look like?

A member asked:

What can you do to treat an infected burn?

A member asked:

How to tell if my burn is infected or needs medical intervention?

A member asked:

How can you treat water slide burn on shoulder?

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