Mosquite bite, burn and cut

crystalphm

Yes, i am dealing with all three things on my affected side ( mastectomy, 8 nodes removed, DCIS multifocal, cancer gone, thank goodness)...

I do realize I need antibiotics for the burn and cut (neosporin right now) and I put cortisone on the mosquito bite, but should I immediately be in my sleeve and gauntlet for the duration of these injuries? Both night and day? Should I get a glove instead of a gauntlet since I work in a job where burns are a risk?

 I do not have lymphedema in my arm, but in this summer heat I get a bulge in my axillary and sometimes my arm feels heavy...that is when i wear the sleeve...

 Thanks so much for any help... I am very interested in prevention.

Denise

Binney4

Denise, I'm sorry for the multiple injuries -- yikes! Sounds like you're being careful to treat them promptly. I'm not sure about a sleeve over the burn as it could irritate it, and certainly you don't want to wear day garments at night. But you could keep your arm elevated (with support), even at night on pillows. Stay well hydrated; take a few deep abdominal breaths when you think about it. And keep an eye on everything. Here's information on infection so you know what to look for:
http://www.stepup-speakout.org/Emergencies_and_Medical_Care_lymphedema.htm

If you don't have a well-trained lymphedma therapist, now's a good time to get a referral to one. Treating those early symptoms promptly makes it easier to manage over the long haul, and it can keep it from progressing. Here's how to find one near you:
http://www.stepup-speakout.org/Finding_a_Qualified_Lymphedema_Therapist.htm

Not sure what you're asking about the glove as opposed to a gauntlet since your work entails a potential for burns. If you're asking whether a glove would provide more protection, garments are NO protection from burns -- my own experience is that they melt (don't ask!), which is not an especially good thing.

Please keep us posted on how you're doing!

Be well,
Binney

crystalphm

Thank you Binney for responding...I am doing fine! healing well, no lymphedema. I do realize a sleeve or gauntlet is no protection and actually can only make a burn worse, so my question is *after* I have a burn on my hands, should I be wearing the sleeve for compression so i don't swell?

 I honestly never knew not to wear day garments at night, no one ever told me!

 This whole group is such a blessing!!!

Binney4

Denise, wearing a compression garment over a burn runs the risk of doing more damage to the already compromised skin. If the burn (or other injury) is treated and dressed, then getting a garment on without disturbing the dressing is a challenge and may require a special donning aid to get it in place without scraping the wound -- and it might still irritate the burn as you move your arm. So it's better to elevate the arm and stay well hydrated, both of which will help discourage swelling. Some swelling is expected whenever there's an injury, as the lymph fluid rushes to the site to perform its clean-up chores. Elevation helps that extra fluid to get back into circulation, and drinking plenty of water helps by diluting the lymph fluid and helping it move.

So glad you're doing well -- good for you for jumping on it quickly!

Be well,
Binney