2nd degree burn is causing a lot of swelling..normal?!
Question: So I got a second degree burn, making chocolate covered pretzels, chocolate spilled on my foot. OUCH! I went to the doc got sulfer sulvadine (probably spelled wrong) and been keeping it cleaned and wrapped since Saturday. It's now Monday evening and it swelling to the point it's hard to walk...around the skin that peeled off it is turning blood red..is this normal or a sign of infection? Thank you for your help!
Answers: So I got a second degree burn, making chocolate covered pretzels, chocolate spilled on my foot. OUCH! I went to the doc got sulfer sulvadine (probably spelled wrong) and been keeping it cleaned and wrapped since Saturday. It's now Monday evening and it swelling to the point it's hard to walk...around the skin that peeled off it is turning blood red..is this normal or a sign of infection? Thank you for your help!
Silvadene is an excellent anesthetic for burns. Not sure if it contains any antibacterial agents.
Usually swelling will occur with 2nd degree burns and more pain with 2nd degree than 3rd, because wit 2nd degree, nerve endings are still viable whereas with third they are not.
Signs of infection include warmth, swelling (but since this a burn these would normally apply), but look for drainage of yellow-green discoloration for sign of infection. Is there more pain around the reddened area that has peeled?
It will be be tender, no doubt. for swelling, ice is excellent. The swelling is most likely causing a good deal of the tenderness.
As long as you have been keeping it clean and wrapped, I would just watch for signs of infection as described above.
If the pain is too intense or you are more concerned, then call ER room. Usually, a nurse (registered nurse) can give a certain amount of information over the phone, but she will not be able to diagnose or direct your next plan of action. She can be informative if you know what to ask.
Get back to the doctor, pronto! You may be developing an infection.
A blistering burn HURTS even if it is little. It will be a little red and have swelling. If you see pus or green or yellow drainage it could be infected but if you are keeping it clean and sulfadine on it you are probably ok. Leave the dressing off for a about an hour after you change the dressing next time. Don't walk around, just elevate it while you watch tv or whatever. Then re-dress it. Take an anti-inflamatory drug like Motrin or Aleve for the pain. Tylenol is not anti-inflamatory.