Injury Update: Finger Burn Incident
Hello everyone! I am a 32-year-old male, 186 cm tall and weighing 77 kg. I don't smoke. On Sunday evening, five days ago, I had a little accident while cooking jollof rice. I had covered the pot with foil, but when I lifted the lid to check on it, a burst of hot steam escaped and scalded my fingers. From what I've found, some redness is typical after getting burned; however, mine seems to have darkened instead. I'm curious if this is something serious that warrants a visit to the doctor, or if I can simply allow my body to heal itself. It's worth mentioning that there’s no sharp pain, though it does feel uncomfortable to the touch. Thanks for your help!
Answers (1)
6/27/2025, 1:30:44 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you sustained a steam burn, which can indeed cause redness and discoloration. While some changes in skin color can be common with minor burns, darkening may indicate that the burn involves deeper layers of skin. Here’s what you need to know:
Explanation:
Burn injuries can be classified by their severity:
- First-degree burns affect only the outer layer of skin, causing redness, mild swelling, and discomfort but typically heal quickly.
- Second-degree burns extend deeper, causing blistering and more significant color changes. Darkening of the skin can suggest damage beyond the surface.
Given your description—no sharp pain but discomfort and darkening—keeping a close watch on the burn is important.
Next Steps:
-
Keep it clean: Gently wash the area with mild soap and water to prevent infection. Pat it dry softly.
-
Moisturize and protect: Apply a burn ointment or aloe vera to keep the area hydrated and promote healing. If there are blisters, do not pop them; instead, cover with a sterile bandage.
-
Monitor for changes: Watch for signs of infection such as increasing redness, swelling, pus, or increasing pain. If you notice these, consider seeking medical advice.
-
Pain management: If you experience discomfort, consider over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, as directed on the label.
-
Avoid irritants: Keep the area away from heat, sun, or any chemicals that could worsen the burn.
If the darkening persists or worsens over the next few days, it's advisable to consult a healthcare provider for a thorough evaluation. Remember, your comfort and healing are the priorities. Let me know if you need more information or specific advice!
Related Questions
Potential Electrical Hazard from Using a Plugged-In Phone During a Storm
Last night, while I was asleep, a storm rolled through, and my phone was connected to the charger. After waking up, I began using it and felt discomfort in my hands and arms, but I chose to brush it off. The following day, I experienced an intense headache that has persisted and made me feel somewhat disoriented. I have since ceased using the phone, but I wonder how serious the risk truly was. Is there a possibility that I could have suffered a significant electric shock if lightning had struck a nearby power line?
Suspicion of a Fractured Nose
Subject: 30F Could anyone provide insight into whether my nose could be fractured? I've never particularly loved its appearance, but I have a concern that my son might have accidentally caused a break in my nose in 2023 due to his autism. Previously, my nose had a subtle hump, but now there’s an evident dip that wasn’t there before. I've also started to encounter serious breathing difficulties during the night that were absent prior. Consequently, I’m considering the option of rhinoplasty. I will share an image in the comments for better reference.
Concerns about Swelling Near Calf Muscle
Hello everyone. I'm a 40-year-old male and I've recently noticed a small blue mark located on the front side, directly below my calf muscle. I also observe some swelling right beneath this blue spot, which has a slight indentation. Years ago, I experienced foot drop in the same area, but I only became aware of this issue today. Can anyone provide insights into what this might signify?
Verification of Medication Identification
Greetings to the group! I would appreciate your assistance with a matter concerning my medication. I have been prescribed doxepin or its generic form for approximately a year, and previously, the medication appeared as a green, oblong tablet. Recently, I collected my prescription (from the same doctor I've visited for the past five months), but found a different pill inside the container. The new pills are round and white, marked with the numbers 013 and an unusual letter 'P.' Despite my attempts, I was unable to locate any matches for these markings on various drug identification websites. Therefore, I would like to confirm whether these pills are indeed doxepin or its generic equivalent before I consume them. I appreciate your help with this!
Understanding Neutrophil Levels Before Starting Clozapine
Patient: 18-year-old female. Currently prescribed Haldol at a dosage of 5 mg, with plans to increase to 15 mg in the coming weeks. Additionally, there is a need to initiate treatment with Clozapine, beginning with a dose of 50 mg, eventually increasing to 100 mg. Recent blood tests show her neutrophil count is adequate at 2.86, though the percentage is at 43%, which falls below the desirable range. Lymphocyte levels are slightly elevated, possibly affecting the overall proportionality of white blood cells. Is it advisable to commence Clozapine treatment given these laboratory results? It’s worth noting that no significant alterations in the leukocyte composition were found.