Managing Firework Burns: Treatment for Blisters and Wound Care

Q: Managing Firework Burns: Treatment for Blisters and Wound Care

Hello, in response to your questions： 1. Blisters may occur due to tissue exudation. If you are concerned about care, they can be punctured, but it is best to have this done by healthcare professionals under sterile conditions to reduce the risk of infection.

Burn injuries caused by fireworks?

Female: 46 years old (my mother) from Chiayi County, has been treated at Chiayi Christian Hospital.
She has sustained second to third degree burns covering 32.5% of her body, with the left arm being the most severely affected, as well as the palm of the right hand, the upper thigh of the left leg (4/3), and the upper leg of the right leg (2/13).
This occurred 13 months ago due to a firework accident (Victory Flower).
She is still undergoing wound care, but recently has been experiencing persistent blisters.
Last week, her condition was better, but now there are about ten blisters on her left arm (we have been using a needle to puncture them).
The needle has been sterilized, and there are three wounds that are not healing well.
There are two wounds measuring 2 cm and 5 cm, and another measuring 5 cm by 4 cm, which show signs of infection with a thin yellow covering over them.

Now, my main questions are:
1.
How should we manage the blisters? Is it okay to puncture them? Why do they occur? Is it because she needs to move her hand for rehabilitation that the blisters are forming?
2.
Are there better medications for the burn wounds and the blisters? Could you please recommend something?
3.
What should we do if her hand feels hot? Should she take oral antibiotics? It seems like ice packs are not helping!
4.
What should she consume more of? What should she avoid eating?
5.
The wounds feel prickly and painful; how can we alleviate this? When can we expect improvement? Thank you, and I hope to receive your response soon.

A Pei, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2003/02/08

Dr. Chen Yiying reply Dermatology

Hello, in response to your questions:
1.
Blisters may occur due to tissue exudation.
If you are concerned about care, they can be punctured, but it is best to have this done by healthcare professionals under sterile conditions to reduce the risk of infection.

2.
If the wound is infected, you may use antibiotic ointment, and it is advisable to also take oral antibiotics.
If the pain is severe, you may consider taking oral pain relievers.
Please consult a dermatologist or plastic surgeon for treatment and do not self-medicate.
As for the pain from the wound, it may take time for the tissue to fully heal.
Once the infection is controlled, there are special dressings available that can accelerate the healing process, so please cooperate with your physician.

Reply Date: 2003/02/08

More Info

Managing burns, especially those caused by fireworks, requires careful attention to wound care and infection prevention. Given the details of your mother's situation, here are some comprehensive recommendations and insights regarding the management of her burns and blisters.

1. Handling Blisters
Blisters are a natural response of the body to protect the underlying skin from further injury. They form as a result of fluid accumulation between the layers of skin, often due to friction, heat, or burns. In your mother's case, the blisters may have developed due to the burn itself or from movement and friction during rehabilitation.

Should you pop the blisters? It is generally advised not to puncture blisters unless they are very large or painful. Popping them can increase the risk of infection. If they do need to be drained, it is best to have a healthcare professional do it in a sterile environment. If a blister breaks on its own, keep the area clean and covered with a sterile bandage.

2. Recommended Treatments for Burns and Blisters
For second-degree burns, topical treatments can help promote healing and prevent infection. Silver sulfadiazine cream is often recommended for burn wounds due to its antibacterial properties. If there are signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, or pus, it may be necessary to use an antibiotic ointment and possibly oral antibiotics, as prescribed by a physician.

In addition to topical treatments, consider using hydrocolloid dressings or specialized burn dressings that can provide a moist healing environment, which is beneficial for recovery. These dressings can also help protect the area from friction and further injury.

3. Pain Management
Pain management is crucial in burn care. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help alleviate discomfort. If the pain is severe or persistent, consult with a healthcare provider for stronger pain management options.

4. Nutritional Support
Nutrition plays a vital role in wound healing. Encourage your mother to consume a balanced diet rich in protein, vitamins (especially Vitamin C and Vitamin A), and minerals (like zinc) to support skin repair. Foods such as lean meats, fish, eggs, dairy products, fruits, and vegetables should be included. Additionally, staying hydrated is essential for overall health and healing.

5. Signs of Infection and When to Seek Help
It is crucial to monitor the burn sites for signs of infection, which may include increased redness, swelling, warmth, pus, or a fever. If any of these symptoms occur, or if the pain worsens, it is important to seek medical attention promptly.

6. Recovery Timeline
The healing time for second-degree burns can vary significantly based on the severity and size of the burn. Generally, these burns may take 2 to 3 weeks to heal, but larger or deeper burns may take longer. Regular follow-ups with a healthcare provider are essential to monitor healing progress and adjust treatment as necessary.

Conclusion
In summary, managing burns from fireworks involves careful wound care, appropriate use of topical treatments, pain management, nutritional support, and vigilant monitoring for signs of infection. It is essential to follow up with healthcare providers regularly to ensure proper healing and to address any complications that may arise. If you have any concerns about your mother's recovery or the treatments being used, do not hesitate to consult with her healthcare provider for personalized advice and adjustments to her care plan.

Similar Q&A

Burn Treatment: Managing Blisters and Scarring After a Motorcycle Accident

After school, I got burned by a motorcycle exhaust pipe. When I got home, my mom applied some medication. However, after applying the medication, the blister became larger. I'm not sure if I can remove the blister. Also, should I avoid water? Will it leave a scar in the futu...

Dr. Chen Yiying reply Dermatology
Hello Ms. Huang: Essentially, if a blister is intact, it can form a natural protective barrier. However, if the blister is large and difficult to manage, it is advisable to seek medical attention. A physician can help drain the blister and, afterwards, you should avoid getting it...

Effective Treatment for Oil Burns: Healing Tips and Recommended Ointments

If you accidentally burned yourself with oil while filtering, and the wound is approximately the size of a ten-dollar coin, here’s how to manage it. Since the blister has already burst and you are currently disinfecting it with alcohol, it’s important to keep the area clean and p...

Dr. Huang Ruiyun reply Dermatology
Hello! Go to the pharmacy to buy specialized burn medication, such as Flamazine. Additionally, prepare saline solution, sterile cotton swabs, sterile gauze, and adhesive tape for securing the gauze. Wishing you peace and good health!

Managing Post-Accident Wounds: Treatment for Swelling, Blisters, and Scarring

Hello, doctor. In mid-July, I underwent surgery for a tibial fracture reduction and interlocking nail fixation following a car accident. During the period from the accident to the surgery, my leg swelled due to the fracture, resulting in multiple blisters in various areas. Curren...

Dr. Li Zhonghuai reply Surgery
Hello! The photos show that the wound is healing well, but you have a tendency to develop keloids. It is recommended to use scar gel promptly, wear long sleeves and long pants tightly when going out, apply sunscreen, and carry an umbrella for shade. If there is no improvement, co...

How to Treat Blisters from Heat Pack Burns on the Neck?

If you have developed blisters on your neck due to a hot compress burn, it is best to take the following steps for treatment: 1. Do not pop the blisters: Allow them to heal naturally to prevent infection. 2. Keep the area clean: Gently wash the area with mild soap and w...

Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
Hello Sir: Thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses and suggestions: 1. First, stop the heat application and immediately clean the wound. If necessary, apply a layer of antibiotic ointment. 2. When starting the heat application, wrap it with two layers of towels. After a...