A 40-year-old woman presents with deep red, painful, and dry skin on her arm. The area was exposed to a heating pad for several hours. What is the likely degree of the burn, and what is the suggested treatment?
The patient likely has a second-degree burn, or partial thickness burn. These burns are characterized by deep red color, blister formation, and severe pain due to damage to both the epidermis and a portion of the dermis. Initial treatment involves cooling the area with cool (not cold) running water, and then covering the burn with a non-stick bandage or cloth. Pain management is crucial. This patient should also seek medical attention to evaluate the burn, provide adequate pain relief, and prevent infection.