Addressing My Worsening Burn: Seeking Advice
A few days prior, I posted about remedying what I believed to be a second-degree burn and inquired if there was a possibility of scarring. Unfortunately, since then, the situation has deteriorated. The burned area is becoming increasingly inflamed, exhibiting redness around the edges, and it begins to ooze pus approximately every four hours. At this point, I am doing my best to maintain cleanliness and protect the area. I would appreciate any suggestions for ointments that might aid in healing. I've been advised to avoid wearing bracelets on the affected wrist, though the bracelets I have don't actually touch the burn, and I am hesitant to part with them. Additionally, I am curious about the scarring process following such burns, as I have previous experience with keloid scars that are raised and reddish in appearance from significant injuries. I hope to avoid any visible scarring on my wrist for personal reasons.
Answers (1)
7/20/2025, 5:20:36 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’re dealing with a concerning burn that’s showing signs of infection, which can be serious. The redness, inflammation, and pus suggest that the area may have become infected, and it’s important to address this promptly to promote healing and minimize the risk of scarring.
Explanation
Burns, especially second-degree burns, can be at risk for infections if they are not healing properly. The presence of pus indicates that bacteria may be present, and this can complicate the healing process and increase the likelihood of scarring, particularly if you have a history of keloids.
Prioritized Next Steps
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Keep the Area Clean: Carefully wash the burn with mild soap and lukewarm water. Pat it dry gently with a clean towel.
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Apply an Antibiotic Ointment: Use an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment such as Neosporin or Polysporin. Apply a thin layer on the burn after cleaning it. Do this twice a day to help prevent infection. Avoid using ointments that may be irritating or have fragrances.
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Cover the Wound: Protect the burn with a sterile, non-stick bandage or gauze. Change the bandage daily or if it becomes wet or dirty. This will help keep the area clean and reduce irritation.
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Avoid Tight or Restrictive Jewelry: While you mentioned your bracelets don’t touch the burn, it's wise to avoid wearing them altogether for now to minimize friction and irritation around the area.
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Monitor for Worsening Symptoms: If you notice increasing redness, more oozing, increased pain, or fever, these could be signs that the infection is worsening.
Addressing Scarring
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Placement of Topical Treatments: Once the burn begins healing (usually after a few days when it stops weeping), you may consider applying silicone gel sheets or ointments specifically designed for scar prevention. These are often recommended to help minimize the risk of keloid and hypertrophic scars.
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Moisturize the Area: After healing, keeping the area moisturized with a silicone-based gel or cream can promote better healing and may help prevent scarring.
Lastly, consider discussing your concerns with a healthcare provider who can evaluate the burn in person, especially if it continues to worsen or fails to improve over the next few days. Your safety and healing are the priority, and seeking professional advice when in doubt is always a good course of action.
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