Patient's question:
A large drop of hot water burned it, and the blisters were also burst. Now there's a wound the size of a small fingernail, always wet. I washed it with disinfectant and put a band-aid on it, but it's still wet. I don't know what other medicine to use. How about...Doctor's answer:
If a burn occurs again, immediately immerse it in cold water to draw out heat and prevent it from spreading deeper. Burns are classified into three degrees. Based on your description, it should be a superficial second-degree burn, characterized by local redness, swelling, partial epidermal detachment, and a pinkish base. If there are no infectious factors, the prognosis is good, and there will be no significant scarring.Now, let's discuss the treatment methods: there are two approaches—bandaging and exposure.
1. Bandaging Method: This is convenient for care but takes longer to heal and is less effective than the exposure method. The specific steps are as follows: First, sterilize the wound with physiological saline and a 0.1% povidone-iodine solution (available at pharmacies). Then, mix silver sulfadiazine with physiological saline to form a paste and apply it evenly to the wound. Cover the area with sterile gauze and bandage it. Note that you must use sterile physiological saline to prevent infection and avoid using tap water.
2. Exposure Method: This is simpler but requires careful nursing. The sterilization process is the same as above. Then, apply Meibao Moisturizing Burn Ointment (around 20 yuan) evenly to the affected area. Reapply the ointment every 4–6 hours. Use a sterile cotton swab to gently remove the previous layer of ointment. Sterilize the wound once a day. If the child accidentally wipes off the ointment, apply more immediately to keep the wound moist. It usually takes about two weeks for a superficial second-degree burn to heal completely, so patience is required. Clinically, we often prefer this method because it is more effective and relatively simple to perform. You can temporarily manage it at home if needed.
If you notice swelling or pus on the wound surface, it may indicate infection. In such cases, it is recommended to seek medical attention.
Finally, here's a bit of common knowledge: If blisters form after a burn, try to avoid bursting them, as the blister skin can provide some protection to the wound. Generally, blister removal should be delayed until at least three days later.