easy off oven cleaner chemical burn

Hello. Early this morning i accidently got heavy duty easy off oven cleaner on my arm. I didnt notice and it had to be on my skin 45min to an hour atleast. When i did notice it my arm was already blistering and in large spot had turned black. It looks really bad and looks like i should be screaming in pain...but it hardly hurts. I have an appt with my doc tom and my mother in law looked at it and covered it up and said there wasnt anything that could really be done for it. Shes a nurse by the way. My question is that arent burns supposed to be painful? Ive had sunburns that looks better and hurt waaay more. Thank you. Im worried its third degree.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
It can be irritant contact dermatitis or superficial burns but it does not look like third degree burns. Most superficial burns heal within about two weeks and don't usually leave a scarf. For these kind of burns; you can apply antibiotic cream such as silver sulfadiazine (Silvadene).It will prevent infection and help in fast healing. Also wear cotton clothes and do not scratch the area.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.

[kassie26]

Hello it turns out that i have second and third degree burns.