Infected blister on a recently healed third-degree burn

[justsomeguy751]

One month ago I received a third-degree burn from a motorcycle tailpipe. Despite advice to the contrary, I did not seek medical attention due to lack of health insurance and money. With some help from a nurse I know, I took very good care of the wound and kept it infection free during the critical period when it was just exposed flesh. I recently stopped dressing it. The wound is almost completely healed (there are still a couple of scabs, but the blister is on the portion that has healed), but lately a couple of blisters have been appearing and then going away. However, the latest blister is yellow. I assume that means it's infected. My question is: I have 11 Cefprozil 500mg and 10 Clindamycin 150mg. Will these antibiotics help me? I've already begun drinking as much water as I can.

[mkh9]

I'm so glad you finally healed after all the trauma you have been through.
take care,
mkh9

[justsomeguy751]

In case you were curious, it healed up and all is well now :)

[mkh9]

Well, it is hard to know if it was infected or not but since it popped, and you cleaned it well that you watch and wait. You can keep neosporin on it and keep it covered and leave it alone. If you develop a fever, redness, pain or swelling on the area or red streaks go to the doctor. I don't know what it looks like now without being there but I hope it clears up. Don't scratch it if it starts to itch. FYI I once also got a 2nd degree burn (almost third) from a tailpipe too. I still have a scar from it. I was taking the bandage off too often and it wouldn't heal. So, keep it covered and leave it alone unless you see changes for the worse.
mkh9

[justsomeguy751]

So, maybe I should have gone to a doctor, I'm not sure.  I covered the blister with topical antibiotic ointment and placed a bandage over top.  When I went to sleep last night, the blister finally popped, but luckily it was contained within the bandage and it wasn't exposed.  I gently cleaned the blister with antibacterial soapy water and poured some hydrogen peroxide over it.  No yellow is visible at this point.  I then covered it with a bandage again.  Later, I spread some more topical antibiotic on it.  It seems to be healing; the flesh is a solid pink fleshy color, I see no yellow or darkened going towards/away from the blister site.  Crisis averted or did I just make it worse somehow?

[mkh9]

I'm sorry you really need to go into the doctor or see your nurse friend and get this wound checked. They should do a culture if it is infected. Different bacteria require different antibiotics so one may just make it worse by allowing other bacteria to take over. Also, a shortened dose of a antibiotic (such as 11 pills) or too low of a dose like the clindamycin 150mg, may cause resistance if it doesn't kill all the bacteria. So first you have to find out if you even have an infection.