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CallaFirestormBW -> RE: Burn remedies? (7/27/2008 4:29:36 PM)
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quote:
ORIGINAL: tsatske
It really does sound like you are describing a third degree burn. They are unbelievably painful, even when they are small in area. And the risk of infection is off the charts, girl.
BTW, they sell these special burn pads at the pharm. They are fluid filled, like little versions of what they use in the ER. I like to keep them in the freezer for when they are needed.
Actually, the "3rd degree" portion of a burn doesn't hurt -- the nerves are dead and it doesn't start hurting until the nerves regenerate. A third degree burn is a classic-- the edges are crisped (often dark red or black) and the burn goes deep beyond the epidermis.However, it sounds to me like what she's describing is a 2nd degree burn with deep blistering, and those hurt like a B*TCH!
My recommendation is to continue with the cold baths. Cutting off the air supply from the burn will diminish the pain, and cold water baths are the most effective for that. Most people do not keep their burns under cold water long enough. The general rule is to keep the burn in cold water until you can go a full 10 minutes without extreme pain -- for some burns, this may mean cold or cold packs/damp cloths for up to 48 hrs... 20 minutes on, however many minutes off that you can manage until it starts hurting.
Do not put any ointment or gel on the burn until it is completely cooled. Sterile water (on gauze pads or telfa pads) with a cold pack for areas that can't be submerged is the best bet. After the burn has gotten to where you can handle not having it cold-packed and not have substantial pain, it's time for the silvadene ointment or aloe gel. Keep the area clean, and do NOT pop the blister(s). Avoid banging, bumping, or abrading the area -- the blistered skin is shielding raw, burned skin underneath and needs to have time for the skin to heal. As the burn heals, in many cases the area around the blister will gradually lose its moisture, and the skin on the surface will get tough/stiff. At this point, it becomes like a scab, and should not be picked unless you want a scar. The scab will eventually fall off as the tissue underneath heals.
If the area starts weeping pus, or the area out from the burn begins to become red and tender after the initial pain of the burn is over, OR if you notice streaks of red radiating out in any or all directions from the burn, get thee to an Emergency Room immediately.
Calla Firestorm
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