Seeking Advice for My Curling Wand Burn
I'm an 18-year-old female, weighing 140 pounds and standing at 5 feet 10 inches tall. Five days ago, I accidentally burned my neck with a curling wand. Initially, it appeared to be a standard burn, but despite applying silicone bandages, the area has become extremely painful, inflamed, and is now discharging some fluid. Can anyone explain what might be going on with my injury? Additionally, if I’m not treating it correctly, what steps should I take?
Answers (1)
9/9/2025, 5:01:36 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're dealing with a burn that may have become infected, given the increased pain, inflammation, and fluid discharge. This can happen if a burn injury doesn't heal properly or if bacteria enter the wound. It's important to address this promptly to avoid further complications.
Explanation:
Burns can be categorized as first-degree (superficial, mild), second-degree (deeper, with blistering), or third-degree (more severe, affecting deeper tissues). From what you're describing, your burn seems to have progressed from a standard burn to a more complicated situation, potentially indicating a second-degree burn that has become infected.
Next Steps:
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Keep the Area Clean: Gently clean the burn with mild soap and water. Avoid scrubbing the area to prevent further irritation.
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Apply a Suitable Dressing: Use a sterile, non-stick dressing to cover the burn. Change the dressing daily or more frequently if it becomes wet or soiled.
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Manage Pain and Inflammation: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage pain and reduce inflammation. Follow the recommended dosages on the packaging.
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Monitor Symptoms: Watch for signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, pus, or worsening pain. If these symptoms worsen or do not improve within a couple of days, it's important to seek further medical attention.
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Avoid Irritants: Stay away from any products that may further irritate the area, such as perfumes, lotions, or heat styling tools until it heals.
If you find that the symptoms persist or worsen despite these steps, or if you experience fever, it is essential to seek professional medical assistance. Ensuring proper care now can help speed up your recovery and minimize scarring. Please take care, and let me know if you have further questions or need additional guidance!
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