Infection - infected burn?

Revival · 24-04-2008, 09:56 AM

basically what the title says, I think that my shoulder might be infected but I'm not sure, and if it is I'm unsure how to deal with it. It's very red and warm to touch, and is oozing clear fluids a bit. I know these are signs of infection, but dont know what to do about it. Any advice would be very much appreciated.

akita · 24-04-2008, 11:02 AM

I think you should see a doctor about it.

TearsHurt · 24-04-2008, 01:45 PM

Hi, Black Rose is right you should see a doctor. There's some type of cream that they use for infected burns. Well they used it for me anyway lol
hope your ok

Animad · 24-04-2008, 03:23 PM

How old is it? How bad was it when you first did it? Has it cooled down since then and now heated back up? Did you run it under a cold tap when you first did it?

Revival · 25-04-2008, 12:58 AM

thanks for the replies, they range from about a week to today, it was 2nd degree when I did it (blistered, white), I think it did cool down and has since warmed up, it's hard to tell because there are recent burns near the area. I havent run it under cold water, but have tried to clean it with saline and water a couple of times which hasnt made much difference.

Is there anything that I can do in the next few days? It's a long weekend and there wont be anyone there until monday.

Animad · 25-04-2008, 08:29 AM

Have you got any burns plasters, they would be good as they protect them from bacteria, cool them down, and don't stick to the burn whilst aiding healing. If not, on the older burns that you think are infected it might be worth putting a normal dressing on them. Put a bit of anti-bacterial cream on them but not too much and a thin layer of vaseline on the inner surface of the dressing will stop it from sticking to the burn. However, you shouldn't put cream on new ones as they can boil up and make the wound worse. Change the dressing twice a day, cleaning the burn each time if you can. A pharmacist can advise you best on what you can use as they can see the wound too. It may be better to get it seen by a doctor, especially if it's not start to get better. You can go to a walk-in centre as you don't need an appointment for them.

Revival · 25-04-2008, 11:11 AM

havent got any plasters but I will try and find something, it's just an awkward place to put a dressing on. will probably go and see the doctor on monday if it hasnt gotten better. thanks heaps for the advice xx

akita · 25-04-2008, 01:55 PM

Can you see a dr at the hospital honey?

Revival · 26-04-2008, 12:24 PM

not unless I go to A&E, and its not that urgent, I dont think that I can go to the doctor, I'm too ashamed. Thanks for the advice everyone, I will be ok, I will be able to talk to my psychiatrist on wednesday and work something out I guess. I'll let this thread die now so other threads can get replies.