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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Applied Neosporin For Steam Burn. Peeling Skin. Want To Prevent Infection

How do I treat a fairly severe steam burn on the top of my thumb. I have been using Neosporin for about 5 days and I just recently became aware that I may be damaging my kidneys by using Neosporin on such a deep wound. My concern is not a scar, I want to avoid an infection so I dont think the advice Ive gotten, which is to use Aloe is going to do much good. I have kept it covered almost the entire time with the exception of in the shower and then I try to avoid direct contact with the full blast shower steam. Initially I did rinse it under running cool water for 5 minutes. It does not have blisters, the pain has gotten no better no worse and the pain is moderate not severe it is also not constant. Although I do not feel heat coming from it nor has it swelled or blistered, it is growing increasingly red of various shades. The burn is not quite the length of my thumb but close. When the steam hit my thumb initially, I literally watched a layer of skin fall off. It looks deeper than a single layer but I cannot tell. What can I do to promote healing without infection? Also based on the information I have given would you guess without actually seeing it that there may already be infection setting in? I will also point out that I just finished 10 day round of amoxicilin two weeks prior to this burn. Is there any chance that may help prevent infection despite being finished two weeks prior? Also I do have Neosporin on it now under the gauze, should I wash it away?
Wed, 19 Jun 2013
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General & Family Physician 's  Response
Hi

If the suspicion of infection is high then vigorous treatment is started. The usual approach is to take cultures from the wound and send it for culture and sensitivity. The various topical ointments that have been used for burns are Mafenide acetate, silver sulfadiazine, silver nitrate solution and silver impregnated dressings. Systemic antibiotics are started. Debridement of tissues and removal of eschars is done surgically.

From your description it seems that the wound is healing, though cellulitis can also present with changing colors. Amoxicillin may have protected you for the first few days of burns. You may wash the neosporin away.

Dr Vaishalee
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Applied Neosporin For Steam Burn. Peeling Skin. Want To Prevent Infection

Hi If the suspicion of infection is high then vigorous treatment is started. The usual approach is to take cultures from the wound and send it for culture and sensitivity. The various topical ointments that have been used for burns are Mafenide acetate, silver sulfadiazine, silver nitrate solution and silver impregnated dressings. Systemic antibiotics are started. Debridement of tissues and removal of eschars is done surgically. From your description it seems that the wound is healing, though cellulitis can also present with changing colors. Amoxicillin may have protected you for the first few days of burns. You may wash the neosporin away. Dr Vaishalee