Can a small third degree burn be dangerous to your health?!


Question:

Can a small third degree burn be dangerous to your health?

I burned my left ringer finger just above my knuckle on an element in my stove (I know, smart right?). I know for a fact that it's third degree because it blistered something terrible and now that the blister has popped, it looks like there's a chunk missing from my finger and you can see another layer of skin in the middle of the burn (the whole area is a very bright red) and it's still quite painful. I was just wondering if a small burn can cause health problems? I know large ones (such as from fires) can cause a lot of problems, but I never really thought about the smaller ones until I got burned. Any thoughts? Thanks!


Answers:

Actually from your description I know for a fact that its a second degree burn (partial thickness) not a 3rd degree (full thickness). Characteristics of 2nd degree burns are blisters, redness, painful. Characteristics of 3rd degree burns are white or black tissue, can see underlying tissue such as muscle or bone. All you need to do for this burn is to keep it covered with a sterile dressing (gauze) and wrap that with tape to keep it on. Change the gauze frequently. Small 2nd degree burns are not a medical emergency. As long as it doesn't get infected you can treat it on your own.




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