Wound Care Question - Burnt my arm on the oven

[Marko]

Completely by accident managed to push up against the oven shelf at 220c and as one would predict it has left it's mark.

Anyhow, it's clearly second degree burning. It's blistered forthe entire length.

All fits in with typical second degree burn except there is no itching, soreness or pain in the area at all! Is that normal?

I'm guessing it's going to take a whilst to heal so other than not bursting blisters and keeping it clean is there anything I should he aware of?

Cheers

[[Awakening]]

I would suggest you go to the pharamcy and ask for advice... My oven and I don't get on very well and the pharmacists have always been helpful. good luck x

[Aidee]

Information on burns

[Animad]

In addition you should also look at the Wound Care Guide.

Basically, to sum it up, a burn that size it would be best to get it checked out as the loss of fluid from it and the eventual scarring could cause problems (as it tightens up the skin; not just the appearance!) as well as the immediate concern of infection. So it would be a good idea to pop down to a local NHS Walk-In Centre or even a Minor Injuries Unit. A nurse at your GPs could also look at it and dress it appropriately. In the meantime, the best thing to use ideally would be burns plasters but you can't really get them that big. So, using normal non-stick dressings cut down to size so it covers the whole length (you could potentially just get away with using one large dressing if cut appropriately) and stuck in place with medical tape would be a good idea. The problem with burns is that they stick. Anti-septic cream can reduce that risk so it is a good idea to apply this to the inner surface of the dressing. You could also apply vaseline (petroleum jelly) on the inner surface of the dressing to prevent it sticking but then it isn't as breatheable. If you haven't got a dressing then I would suggest wrapping clingfilm a couple of times around the affected area on your arm could be used as a temporary measure. Though, like I said, it would be better to get it checked. By the sounds of it and the loss of sensation it may be that it is actually a third degree burn and so to reduce any further problems with the tissue that they can cause that gives increased reason to get it checked out.

Obviously before you use any of these treatments ESPECIALLY BEFORE YOU APPLY ANY CREAMS/ VASELINE make sure that the burn has thoroughly cooled so put it under running water for 10mins or until the burn has thoroughly cooled, whichever is the longest and do this again if it heats up once more. If it begins to hurt more, heats up further or becomes more reddened on applying anything then remove the cream and run it under a cold tap again.

[Marko]

Sorry for breaking rules... Again!

Cheers for the pointers, it's settled down a fair bit today and is starting to be sore so I guess sensation is returning. I'll keep a close eye on it and if it gets worse I'll go see someone about it.