Suggest Treatment For First Degree Burn Injury On Forehead
My 5 year old daughter suffered a burn injury from hot tea dropping on her forehead :( yesterday. Initial first aid of splashing of running water and continuation local application of Silverex ionic cream [ about an inch long burn] has been done. Since this morning the burnt region has swelled up, no leakges though.
Please suggest me a treatment to prevent any infection and fast healing of the injury. Also please suggest me if at all any skin pigmentation is seen after the wound gets healed how can that be treated ?
How long overall will it take to get healed with no pigmentation ?
Thanks in advance,
XXXXXXX
Silverex ointment, tetanus shot and pain killers
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX
Thanks for writing in to us.
I have read through your query in detail.
Your child must have received first degree or superficial second degree burn on forehead due to accidental spillage of tea. These burns usually appear as redness of skin and swelling and often heal in 3 weeks time. If there is blister formation (?leakages) then it is a deep second degree burn. Scar formation chances are less if it is first or superficial second degree burn.
In treatment of such burns, you have done right by washing with water and applying siverex ointment. A tetanus shot is to be given if she has not been vaccinated. If the skin is intact then no need of further antibiotics. If the skin breaks then an antibiotic may be included after consulting a doctor.
You can give her paracetamol syrup as per age and body weight for pain and inflammation.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
I have also attached in this thread a photo of the blister, could you please have a look and opine if it is first degree or second degree burn injury ?
Second degree, pls consult plastic surgeon
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX
Thanks for writing back with an update.
The picture attached indicates a second degree burn to your child with blister formation. As long as blister is unbroken, there will be no risk of infection. Since she is a child and the burn is on forehead, there are chances that the blister may break and infection may set in in the future.
I strongly suggest that you consult a plastic surgeon and if not available, a general surgeon and get a clinical opinion on further management towards control of infection. This is keeping in mind that the child is only 5 years in age and the burns involve the face. There are chances that if proper care is taken and infection is avoided then very small or no scar may be seen and if infection occurs then scar chances are always there.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek