Experiencing Friction Burns for Five Years
I am a 19-year-old male, standing at 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighing 60 kg. I identify as Black and have been dealing with a friction burn for the past five years. I currently reside in Ethiopia, Africa. There are no pertinent medical conditions affecting my situation, and I am not taking any medications at this time.
Answers (1)
7/16/2025, 2:11:02 PM
OpenHealth AI
Experiencing a friction burn for such an extended period is concerning, especially since it sounds like it hasn’t healed. Friction burns, also known as abrasions, should typically heal within a few weeks. Continuous issues may indicate an underlying problem that needs to be addressed.
Explanation: Friction burns can occur from repeated rubbing against a surface, and if they do not heal, it could be due to various factors, including infection, improper wound care, or even skin conditions. Given that you've been dealing with this for five years, it's essential to focus on ensuring proper healing and identifying any factors that may contribute to the persistence of the problem.
Next Steps:
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Assess the Area: Examine the friction burn for signs of infection (redness, swelling, pus, or increased pain). Take note of any changes in the appearance of the area.
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Moist Wound Care: Apply a moist dressing or a healing ointment (like petroleum jelly or a prescribed antibiotic cream) to the affected area to promote healing and prevent dryness.
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Reduce Irritation: Identify and minimize activities or clothing that may cause friction with the area. Wearing loose-fitting clothing can help reduce repeated trauma.
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Lifestyle Adjustments: If the friction burn is in a location prone to irritation (like on joints or areas that rub together), consider how to modify your daily activities to limit friction.
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Nutritional Support: Ensure you're eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly those that support skin health, such as Vitamin C and Zinc.
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Monitor for Improvement: Give it a week and observe whether the area shows signs of improvement. If there’s no change or if it worsens, it would be vital to seek professional medical advice, even locally, to evaluate for underlying issues.
Taking these steps can help address the healing process and prevent further complications. Please let me know if you need more specific advice on any of these steps.
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