A floor burn is both a first-degree burn and an abrasion, or scrape, which occurs when the skin comes in contact with the floor and is scraped off through friction and heat. According to Medit Line, floor burns typically occur as a result of sports injuries and injuries on exercise equipment, such as treadmills. They most often affect the bony areas of the arms, hands, knees and shins. A floor burn, although painful, is a common injury that usually heals by itself, but dirt and bacteria can get in the wound, causing an infection that requires treatment by a physician.
Step 1
Examine the floor burn carefully. Dirt and bacteria can be ground into a floor burn when it happens, making it more likely for an infection to develop. A floor burn might not show signs of infection for two to five days. Check for swelling, redness, yellow or green pus and warmth around the area. Check if there are any red streaks spreading out from it.
Step 2
Take your temperature. A fever can indicate the infection is more widespread than just the floor burn. A temperature over 101 degrees F indicates a serious infection. Notify your physician immediately if you have a fever. Oral antibiotics might be necessary.
Step 3
Cover the floor burn with a non-stick gauze pad, such as Telfa. Cover the non-stick gauze pad with a clean gauze pad and secure with medical tape away from any contact with the wound.
Step 4
Contact your physician and make an appointment. An infected floor burn needs to be evaluated by a medical professional and a course of treatment needs to be implemented. Your physician might prescribe oral antibiotics or an antibiotic cream or ointment. Most likely, your physician will give you detailed instructions regarding how to treat your wound at home.
Step 5
Fill your prescription and take the antibiotics as instructed by your physician. Do not stop taking them or using the cream or ointment until your physician advises you to. The infection can return if it is not treated long enough. Change the dressing as often as your physician advises.
Step 6
Call your doctor if you do not see an improvement in 48 hours. Your physician might need to culture, or test, the bacteria to make sure you are taking the correct antibiotic. If not, your physician will change the type of antibiotic. If the infected area becomes closed off and stops draining, your physician might have to drain it in the office.
Tips and Warnings
- Cleanse the floor burn immediately after receiving it with cool water and a mild soap to reduce chances of infection. Use a clean washcloth to gently scrub away any debris picked up from the floor. Dress the wound with sterile bandages to avoid infection.
- Seek medical treatment immediately if you develop any signs of a severe allergic reaction, including hives, difficulty breathing and swelling of the mouth, lips and tongue.
Things You'll Need
- Thermometer
- Non-stick gauze pad
- Gauze pad
- Medical tape
- Oral or topical antibiotics
- Cool water
- Mild soap
- Washcloth
