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Suggest Treatment For Burns On The Arms And Armpits

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Posted on Tue, 16 May 2017
Question: Hello, my brother got 3rd degree burns all over his arms up to under his armpits and hands. They put grafts and stuff. It's been 4 months already, he is doing physical therapy every single day but by the end of the day it gets really painful for him, he describes it as shooting pain..

Also, in between his big finger and index finger that skin is really tight, he can't open it all the way. Doctor has said that if he moves it it might stretch if not, they would need to cut it but obviously, we don't want that. Is there anything we can do to make it better?

And will the scars disappear with time?

We would appreciate some guidance as what to do and what to expect to help him gain his self esteem and confidence back
doctor
Answered by Dr. Klarida Papaqako (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Scars of the burns deeper then first grade, will not heal completely.

Detailed Answer:

Thank you for using Healthcaremagic to post your health query.
I read carefully your question and I understand your concern.

I am very sorry for what has happened to your brother.

The best thing to do to make them better is to encourage him to do the exercises of the physical therapy, to be closely related with the unit and the doctors who are checking up the progression or the grafts and the healing of the burns.

Unfortunately, not all the scars will disapear with the time. Only the ones who were first grade burns will heal completely. Everything burned deeper then that, will be visible. But st least, if he does well the exercises, he will have not many contractures and so is movements will be without limitations.

You all can do a lot to support him emotionally so he wont feel judged and will accept that view of his skin and learn to live happily with it. It is difficult, and he needs support from all of his family and friends, but he will do ok.

Hope this is helpful.
Let me know if you need more clarifications.

Regards,
Dr. Papaqako

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Klarida Papaqako (22 minutes later)
Now his skin is red/pink, will the skin color change?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Klarida Papaqako (2 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
The skin color will change slowly.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thank you for the follow up question.

His skin color will change very slowly.
The deeper the burn, more slowly the change will be.
It may take some years, but the final color of the skin will be white which is the color of the scars.

Kind regards,
Dr. Papaqako
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Klarida Papaqako (28 minutes later)
What about the tightness that he has on his hands (between fingers) as well as under the armpits. When he exercises it gets better, the minute he stops it starts going back to the feeling of tightness. When approximately will it get less?

Also, the skin between the big finger and the index? Is there anything specific we can put, as far as cream or something?

And one more question, is there anything we can put to help the skin to heal faster?


Thank you, XXXXXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Klarida Papaqako (18 hours later)
Brief Answer:
The physical therapy is most helpful for him to heal faster and better.

Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX

It will need some months up to 2 years for the healing process to continue. It all depends on the age of your brother, the diet he follows, how disciplined he is to do his physical therapy exercises, ect.
He can take some mild painkiller for the pain like Ibuprofen or Naproxen.

The contractions will gradually feel better, but he will need to do his streching exercises. The areas between his fingers are the ones who will be more difficult to return back to normal.
There are some treatments who can help like local steroids or steroids injected in the thick areas which are healing, but all depends on if he has access in the country you live in. I guess the doctors who are following him will inform you for everything that is needed.

Hope I have answered all your questions.

Regards,
Dr. Papaqako
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Klarida Papaqako (25 hours later)
Thank you for answering. One last question, can we drink at least one glass of beer gor example?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Klarida Papaqako (10 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
You can drink unless you have any contraindication.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Of course, you can drink one glass of beer unless you have any contraindication and your doctor has told you not to.

As I can see you've mentioned the age as 22-Male, a man can drink up to 2 glasses per day(provided there are no contraindications as mentioned above).

Regards,
Dr. Papaqako


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Klarida Papaqako (14 minutes later)
Well, for his condition, is he allowed?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Klarida Papaqako (3 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
It is allowed

Detailed Answer:
Yes, it is allowed.

He can eat everything that a person of his age should eat.

Of course, healthy eating and drinking advised. So not more than 2 glasses and no alcohol if he is less than 18 years old.

Regards,
Dr. Papaqako

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Klarida Papaqako (12 minutes later)
Thank you!
doctor
Answered by Dr. Klarida Papaqako (2 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Happy to have been of help!

Detailed Answer:
You are welcome.

Happy to have been of help.

Please close and rate the answer if you don't have other questions or concerns.

Take care,
Dr. Papaqako
Note: For further inquiries on surgery procedure and its risks or complications book an appointment now

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Klarida Papaqako

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2010

Answered : 1804 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Burns On The Arms And Armpits

Brief Answer: Scars of the burns deeper then first grade, will not heal completely. Detailed Answer: Thank you for using Healthcaremagic to post your health query. I read carefully your question and I understand your concern. I am very sorry for what has happened to your brother. The best thing to do to make them better is to encourage him to do the exercises of the physical therapy, to be closely related with the unit and the doctors who are checking up the progression or the grafts and the healing of the burns. Unfortunately, not all the scars will disapear with the time. Only the ones who were first grade burns will heal completely. Everything burned deeper then that, will be visible. But st least, if he does well the exercises, he will have not many contractures and so is movements will be without limitations. You all can do a lot to support him emotionally so he wont feel judged and will accept that view of his skin and learn to live happily with it. It is difficult, and he needs support from all of his family and friends, but he will do ok. Hope this is helpful. Let me know if you need more clarifications. Regards, Dr. Papaqako