first or third degree burn

[mandimoo]

last night on our friends narrowboat, mr moo fell against their wood burning stove chimney and has burnt his arm. we were in the middle of nowhere and drunk and he didnt seem too alarmed, so we ran it under cold water for 5 mins and that was as far as the treatment went. today weve looked on the netdoctor and we are unsure if its a first or third degree burn. burn is approx 3 inch diameter, blistered around the edge, but its whitish in the middle and outside the blister the skin is red. he would like to wait and see how it is tomorrow before deciding whether to bother a doc. what i want to know is... is it a good idea to wrap his arm in cling film to keep it clean? we will not be putting anything other than cold water on it.

[lorri24601]

3rd degree is bad an needs medical attention, the higher the number the more layers have been damaged, to be on safe side a trip to casualty would be very very wise. Hope he gets on ok :-)

[Naomicorlett]

when I cafetiered (?) a full jug of boiling coffee up my arm thats just what casualty did for me. Said it kept it moist and clean and helped healing. Look no scar!!

[4GS]

As long as the wound is clean then yes keep it wrapped in cling film. DO NOT burst any blisters. Get him to a Dr or an NHS walk in center in the morning.

These days burns are classified by using a thing called the 'Wallace rule of 9' and described in per centages;
http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/329/7457/1 01/FIG1

[Postdog]

If in the UK ring nhs direct. The number is on the site, and you can speak direct to a nurse who will tell you whether it is worth making the trip.

[4GS]

He is in pain, so this would indicate that there is no damage to the nerves, if the pain persists them some Ibuprofen should help, providing he has no stomach problems such as ulcers either now or in the past. If the pain is too much to bear, then I would take him to your nearest casualty dept.

Also Mrs 4GS is a nurse and advises plenty of water to drink, and no ointments, lotions or potions on the burn

[Panic Button]

If you can get hold of a Melolin dressing, and apply it with a bandage that is not too tight, that would be better than cling film.
It will not stick, but allows it to breathe.

[showcatbenga]

When I scalded myself with a steam stripper the pain drove me to casualty - they were brilliant & gave me this rule of thumb.
If it is blistered or the skin is broken go to casualty.
They will want to see it every day to re-dress & make sure it is not infected.