Understanding the Healing Journey of a Second-Degree Burn
I am a 36-year-old individual in generally good health, with no major medical concerns and not immunocompromised. Recently, I experienced a burn on my lower abdomen that seems to be classified as second-degree, measuring roughly 6 inches by 6 inches. After a quick assessment at the emergency room, I left following triage since the staff indicated there were no immediate treatments available. Unfortunately, a doctor did not examine my injury. Initially, I was quite worried because the central region of the wound was numb, which prompted my visit to the ER due to my lack of pain sensation. On the third and fourth days post-injury, a significant blister developed, which unfortunately burst early on the fifth day. I was instructed to apply antibiotic ointment each day and to maintain a dressing over the wound to safeguard it against irritation. I'm seeking advice on how the healing process appears. Should I persist with the ointment and dressings? Is it permissible to shower with or without the dressing? Thank you for your insights!
Answers (1)
2/12/2026, 4:30:35 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel anxious about healing a second-degree burn, especially with changes in sensation and the development of blisters. Healing can take time, and it’s great to seek advice to ensure you’re on the right track.
Main Points:
- Continue using antibiotic ointment and covering the wound.
- You can shower, but take precautions to protect the burn.
- Monitor for signs of infection or complications.
Explanation:
Second-degree burns affect both the outer layer of skin (epidermis) and the underlying layer (dermis), resulting in pain, redness, swelling, and blistering. The numbness you experienced initially can occur due to nerve involvement but should gradually improve.
The blistering is part of the healing process, and while bursting can expose the deeper layers of skin, keeping it clean and protected is essential to prevent infection.
Next Steps:
-
Continue Ointment and Dressing:
- Apply the antibiotic ointment daily as instructed. Keep the wound clean and covered with a sterile dressing to protect it from dirt and irritation.
- Change the dressing at least once a day or whenever it becomes wet.
-
Showering:
- You can shower, but avoid soaking the burn for long periods. Use a gentle stream of lukewarm water and avoid scrubbing. Consider keeping the area covered with a waterproof bandage or plastic wrap during showers.
-
Monitor for Infection:
- Watch for any signs of infection such as increased redness, swelling, pain, or discharge that looks yellow or green. If you experience these symptoms, it may be necessary to seek medical attention.
-
Patience in Healing:
- Healing time for second-degree burns can vary. Generally, they can take around 2-3 weeks to heal, depending on the severity. Be gentle with the area and avoid exposing it to direct sunlight.
If you have any concerns or if the healing process seems abnormal, consider reaching out to a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation. Remember, your comfort and health are the priorities, and it's okay to ask for help whenever needed.
Related Questions
Injury to My Foot
Hello! I recently visited urgent care due to discomfort and mild swelling in my right foot and ankle. The area just below the outer part of my ankle is slightly swollen and shows a faint bruise, specifically on the top right side of my foot. The medical team performed X-rays, which confirmed that there are no fractures, suggesting the possibility of tendinitis. I'm currently waiting for an appointment with a specialist. However, based on what I've learned, the level of pain I am experiencing doesn't seem to align with the typical intensity of tendinitis. I can still put weight on my foot, but I have limited movement and experience some pain—rated at about a 4 on a scale of 10. I would greatly appreciate any insights or suggestions regarding my condition! I attempted to share a photo, but I'm not quite sure how to do that.
Considering a Third Surgery for Biceps Tenodesis Revision?
**Summary:** I have undergone two unsuccessful biceps tenodesis procedures in 2022. I'm still facing issues with biomechanics, heightened tension in my posterior chain, and a noticeable decline in strength. After a fresh MRI conducted in February 2026, I am exploring the option of a comprehensive revision that involves an anatomical or near-anatomical reattachment of the long head of my biceps tendon. I am open to traveling and covering expenses for this surgery. **Detailed Account:** As an athlete and bodybuilder, I experienced a significant shoulder injury in May 2022 while lifting dumbbells, which resulted in a torn labrum. Despite six months of physical therapy, I saw no improvement in my functionality or pain, which compelled me to pursue surgical options. The first surgery I underwent involved arthroscopic labrum repair along with a suprapectoral biceps tenodesis, aimed at alleviating ongoing pain in my right forearm. The labrum repair was successful; however, the biceps tenodesis did not yield the desired results. In response, a revision surgery was performed using a subpectoral technique. Since then, I have remained active and committed to my rehabilitation process. Although the revision surgery was deemed successful, I continue to suffer from pain in my posterior shoulder, dysfunctional biomechanics in my right arm and shoulder, leading to weakness and an imbalance in strength, alongside a persistent feeling that my arm is misaligned. I am now considering the possibility of a further surgical intervention that would aim for an anatomical restoration of the long head of my biceps tendon to a more correct position, potentially through graft extension and either intra-articular or suprapectoral reattachment. What do you think? I’m willing to share my medical notes and recent imaging with healthcare professionals who can provide guidance on this matter.
Should I Visit the ER or Urgent Care?
I’m a 54-year-old woman currently using methadone, clonidine, and zofran due to my gastroparesis and high blood pressure. I am also a smoker and occasionally use cannabis. Last night, I may have overindulged and ended up dozing off, subsequently falling directly on my knee from a height of about three feet. The pain is excruciating, accompanied by significant swelling and minimal bruising. In my past experience of fracturing my foot, it took several days for the bruising to extend from my knee to my ankle. I struggle to apply any pressure on my knee, and bending it induces intense pain; even trying to apply ice is problematic due to the added weight causing severe discomfort. Should I seek help at the emergency room or consider urgent care for this injury?
Unexplained Abdominal Discomfort and Nausea in Pregnancy
A 35-year-old woman, currently 28 weeks into her pregnancy, has a history of gestational diabetes and otherwise maintains good health. For the past three days, she has experienced a pronounced discomfort, located approximately 2-3 inches beneath her ribcage and around 2 centimeters to the right of center. While the pain is manageable when seated, it intensifies significantly during deep breaths, walking, coughing, or turning her body. In addition to this discomfort, she has been experiencing increasing nausea, which has worsened today, accompanied by a headache and a general sense of malaise. Yesterday, she sought medical attention at the emergency room where numerous blood tests were performed, including assessments related to her pancreas, and an electrocardiogram (ECG) was conducted. All results returned normal. Interestingly, she also had an ultrasound for the baby on the same day, which showed no abnormalities. A urine test was conducted, but results were unremarkable. She reports that her eating and drinking habits remain unchanged, though she does have mild constipation and has noticed less frequent flatulence. Urination appears normal. The attending physician suggested that the pain may be due to trapped gas. However, she describes her previous experiences with trapped gas as producing more of a dull ache located lower in her abdomen. This current sensation is sharp, leading her to feel as if something might rupture or burst within her. Is there any insight into what this issue could be? Might the experience of trapped gas feel different due to the changes associated with pregnancy?
Is It Normal for Wound Packing to Dislodge on Its Own?
Hello, doctors. I'm a 24-year-old female who had a skin abscess near my buttocks and tailbone treated at the emergency room last Sunday. The medical team packed the wound using a string-like material, advising me to take it out at home after two days—today. I just attempted to remove it, but it appeared to have already separated itself. I simply lifted the tape, and the entire piece of string fell into my hand effortlessly. Now, I’m anxious and have a question: could it be that a portion of the packing broke off and remained inside my body? I searched the area, but I didn't feel anything within the wound. It just seems to me that the string should have been longer, which makes me uneasy. Is there a chance that the packing slipped out without me being aware of it? Should I go to urgent care for a check-up? If there is any packing left inside, would I typically be able to feel it? I appreciate any advice or reassurance you may be able to provide. Thanks for taking the time to read this! :)