What do you do if you burn your finger. Burned Finger: Effective First Aid and Treatment Guide
What causes finger burns. How to identify burn severity. When to seek medical attention for a burned finger. What are the best home remedies for minor finger burns. How to properly treat different types of finger burns.
Common Causes of Finger Burns
Finger burns are often painful due to the high concentration of nerve endings in our fingertips. Understanding the common causes can help prevent these injuries:
- Hot liquids (e.g. boiling water, coffee)
- Steam from cooking or industrial processes
- Direct contact with flames or fire
- Touching hot surfaces (e.g. stovetops, irons)
- Chemical burns from household cleaners or industrial substances
- Electrical burns from faulty wiring or appliances
By being aware of these potential hazards, we can take precautions to protect our fingers from burns in daily life and work environments.
Identifying Burn Severity: First, Second, and Third-Degree Burns
Burns are classified into three categories based on the depth of skin and tissue damage:
First-Degree Burns
These affect only the outer layer of skin (epidermis). Symptoms include:
- Redness
- Minor swelling
- Pain
- Dry, peeling skin as it heals
Second-Degree Burns
These burns damage both the epidermis and part of the underlying dermis. Signs include:
- Intense redness and swelling
- Blistering
- Severe pain
- Possible scarring
Third-Degree Burns
The most severe burns, affecting all layers of skin and potentially underlying tissues. Characteristics include:
- White, blackened, or charred skin
- Lack of pain due to nerve damage
- Dry, leathery texture
- High risk of infection and scarring
Accurately assessing burn severity is crucial for determining appropriate treatment and whether professional medical care is necessary.
Immediate First Aid for Burned Fingers
When you burn your finger, quick action can minimize damage and promote healing. Follow these steps:
- Remove the heat source and any tight items like rings.
- Cool the burn under cool (not cold) running water for 10-20 minutes.
- Avoid applying ice directly to the burn, as it can cause further tissue damage.
- For minor burns, apply a gentle moisturizer or aloe vera gel.
- Cover the burn loosely with a sterile gauze bandage.
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers if needed.
Do burns on fingers require special treatment compared to other body parts? While the basic principles of burn treatment apply to all areas, fingers require extra care due to their mobility and the risk of contractures (tightening of skin and tissues) during healing. Gentle movement and proper dressing techniques are crucial for maintaining finger function.
Home Remedies for Minor Finger Burns
For first-degree and some second-degree burns, several home remedies can provide relief and promote healing:
- Honey: Its antibacterial properties may help prevent infection and speed healing.
- Aloe vera: Known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory effects.
- Cool compresses: Can help reduce pain and swelling.
- Vitamin E oil: May help minimize scarring as the burn heals.
- Lavender essential oil: Diluted and applied topically, it may have pain-relieving properties.
Are natural remedies as effective as over-the-counter burn treatments? While some natural remedies show promise, it’s important to note that their efficacy can vary. For consistent results, especially with more severe burns, medical-grade treatments are often recommended. Always consult a healthcare professional for burns that are more than minor.
When to Seek Medical Attention for a Burned Finger
While many finger burns can be treated at home, certain situations require professional medical care:
- Burns larger than 3 inches in diameter
- Deep burns that affect all layers of skin
- Burns on the face, hands, feet, genitals, or major joints
- Signs of infection (increased pain, redness, swelling, fever)
- Burns caused by chemicals or electricity
- Burns that don’t heal within two weeks
How quickly should you seek medical attention for a severe burn? For serious burns, immediate medical attention is crucial. Delay in treatment can lead to complications, increased risk of infection, and potentially long-term functional impairment, especially in sensitive areas like fingers.
Long-Term Care and Scar Management for Burned Fingers
After the initial healing phase, proper care is essential to minimize scarring and maintain finger function:
- Keep the area moisturized to prevent skin tightness.
- Protect healed burns from sun exposure to prevent discoloration.
- Perform gentle stretching exercises as recommended by a healthcare provider.
- Consider silicone sheets or gels to reduce scar formation.
- Massage the healed area to improve circulation and flexibility.
Can all burn scars on fingers be prevented or minimized? While some scarring may be inevitable with deeper burns, consistent care and early intervention can significantly improve outcomes. Factors like burn depth, individual healing capacity, and adherence to treatment protocols all play a role in scar development and management.
Prevention Strategies: Avoiding Finger Burns in Daily Life
Preventing burns is always preferable to treating them. Implement these safety measures to protect your fingers:
- Use oven mitts or pot holders when handling hot items in the kitchen.
- Turn pot handles inward on the stove to prevent accidental spills.
- Test water temperature before submerging hands or fingers.
- Be cautious when using curling irons, straighteners, or other hot styling tools.
- Wear protective gloves when working with chemicals or potentially hot materials.
- Keep children away from hot surfaces and teach them about burn dangers.
What are the most common scenarios leading to finger burns in different age groups? For children, curiosity about hot objects and lack of awareness often lead to burns. Adults frequently experience burns while cooking or using household appliances. Elderly individuals may be at higher risk due to decreased sensation or slower reaction times. Understanding these patterns can help tailor prevention strategies for different demographics.
Innovations in Burn Treatment: What’s on the Horizon?
The field of burn treatment is constantly evolving, with promising new approaches on the horizon:
- Stem cell therapy for improved skin regeneration
- Advanced wound dressings that promote faster healing
- 3D-printed skin grafts for severe burns
- Gene therapy to reduce scarring and improve healing
- Nanotechnology-based treatments for pain management and infection prevention
How might these innovations specifically benefit finger burn treatments? Given the complexity of hand and finger function, targeted therapies could potentially reduce healing time, minimize scarring, and improve overall outcomes. For instance, 3D-printed skin grafts could be customized to the unique contours of fingers, potentially leading to better functional and aesthetic results.
As research progresses, we may see more specialized treatments that address the unique challenges of finger burns, such as maintaining dexterity and preventing contractures during the healing process. These advancements could significantly improve quality of life for burn survivors, especially those with injuries to their hands and fingers.
Psychological Impact of Finger Burns and Coping Strategies
The psychological effects of finger burns can be significant, especially if they result in visible scars or impaired function. Common emotional responses include:
- Anxiety about future injuries
- Depression related to changes in appearance or ability
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) from the burn incident
- Social withdrawal due to self-consciousness
- Frustration with the healing process or lingering limitations
Coping strategies to address these challenges include:
- Seeking support from friends, family, or support groups
- Engaging in occupational therapy to regain confidence in hand use
- Practicing mindfulness and relaxation techniques
- Considering cognitive-behavioral therapy to address anxiety or depression
- Focusing on achievable goals in recovery and celebrating progress
How does the visibility of finger burns affect psychological recovery compared to burns in less visible areas? Finger burns, being highly visible in daily interactions, can have a more significant impact on body image and social confidence. However, this visibility can also serve as a motivation for active engagement in rehabilitation and a testament to resilience, potentially leading to positive psychological outcomes with proper support and perspective.
Understanding and addressing the psychological aspects of burn recovery is crucial for overall healing. Healthcare providers should be prepared to offer or refer patients to appropriate mental health resources as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for finger burns.
Nutritional Support for Burn Healing
Proper nutrition plays a vital role in burn recovery, even for seemingly minor injuries like finger burns. A balanced diet rich in specific nutrients can promote faster healing and reduce the risk of complications:
- Protein: Essential for tissue repair and immune function
- Vitamin C: Supports collagen production and wound healing
- Vitamin A: Aids in immune response and epithelial integrity
- Zinc: Crucial for protein synthesis and wound healing
- Omega-3 fatty acids: Help reduce inflammation
Recommended foods to support burn recovery include:
- Lean meats, fish, and eggs for protein
- Citrus fruits and bell peppers for vitamin C
- Sweet potatoes and carrots for vitamin A
- Nuts and seeds for zinc
- Fatty fish or flaxseeds for omega-3s
Does the body require more calories during burn recovery, even for small burns? While major burns significantly increase metabolic demands, even minor burns like those on fingers can slightly elevate the body’s energy needs. The immune response and tissue repair processes require additional energy and nutrients. However, for small burns, a well-balanced diet is usually sufficient without the need for significant caloric increases.
Staying hydrated is equally important, as proper fluid balance supports circulation and helps maintain skin elasticity during healing. Patients should be encouraged to drink plenty of water and avoid excessive caffeine or alcohol, which can interfere with hydration and healing.
Occupational Considerations: Returning to Work After a Finger Burn
Returning to work after a finger burn requires careful consideration, especially if the job involves manual dexterity or frequent use of hands. Key factors to consider include:
- Severity of the burn and stage of healing
- Type of work and specific job requirements
- Potential for re-injury in the workplace
- Ability to perform tasks safely and efficiently
- Employer’s policies on modified duties or return-to-work programs
Steps for a successful return to work:
- Consult with healthcare provider for clearance and recommendations
- Communicate openly with employer about limitations and accommodations
- Consider gradual return or modified duties if necessary
- Use protective gear or adaptive equipment as recommended
- Monitor the burn site for any signs of strain or re-injury
How can employers support employees returning to work after a finger burn? Employers can play a crucial role in facilitating a smooth return by offering flexible work arrangements, providing necessary accommodations, and fostering a supportive environment. This might include temporary reassignment of tasks, ergonomic adjustments to workstations, or allowing extra breaks for wound care if needed.
For professions that require fine motor skills, such as surgeons, musicians, or craftspeople, a finger burn can be particularly challenging. In these cases, a more gradual return to full duties may be necessary, potentially involving specialized occupational therapy to regain precise finger control and dexterity.
Legal and Insurance Considerations for Burn Injuries
While finger burns may seem minor, they can have significant legal and insurance implications, especially if they occur in the workplace or due to product defects. Key considerations include:
- Workers’ compensation claims for work-related burns
- Personal injury lawsuits for burns caused by negligence
- Product liability cases for burns from defective products
- Insurance coverage for medical treatments and rehabilitation
- Disability claims for burns resulting in long-term impairment
Steps to protect your rights after a burn injury:
- Seek medical attention and document all treatments
- Report the incident to employer or relevant authorities
- Gather evidence, including photos and witness statements
- Keep records of all expenses related to the injury
- Consult with a legal professional if considering a claim
Are finger burns treated differently in legal and insurance contexts compared to other types of burns? While the basic principles remain the same, finger burns can be viewed as particularly significant due to the critical role hands play in daily life and many occupations. The potential for long-term impact on earning capacity or quality of life may be carefully considered in legal and insurance evaluations, even for seemingly minor burns.
It’s important to note that laws and insurance policies regarding burn injuries can vary by jurisdiction and specific circumstances. Individuals who have suffered a finger burn, especially one that impacts their ability to work or perform daily activities, should consider seeking professional legal advice to understand their rights and options fully.
Burned Finger: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Burned Finger: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
- Health Conditions
- Featured
- Breast Cancer
- IBD
- Migraine
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Type 2 Diabetes
- Articles
- Acid Reflux
- ADHD
- Allergies
- Alzheimer’s & Dementia
- Bipolar Disorder
- Cancer
- Crohn’s Disease
- Chronic Pain
- Cold & Flu
- COPD
- Depression
- Fibromyalgia
- Heart Disease
- High Cholesterol
- HIV
- Hypertension
- IPF
- Osteoarthritis
- Psoriasis
- Skin Disorders and Care
- STDs
- Featured
- Discover
- Wellness Topics
- Nutrition
- Fitness
- Skin Care
- Sexual Health
- Women’s Health
- Mental Well-Being
- Sleep
- Product Reviews
- Vitamins & Supplements
- Sleep
- Mental Health
- Nutrition
- At-Home Testing
- CBD
- Men’s Health
- Original Series
- Fresh Food Fast
- Diagnosis Diaries
- You’re Not Alone
- Present Tense
- Video Series
- Youth in Focus
- Healthy Harvest
- No More Silence
- Future of Health
- Wellness Topics
- Plan
- Health Challenges
- Mindful Eating
- Sugar Savvy
- Move Your Body
- Gut Health
- Mood Foods
- Align Your Spine
- Find Care
- Primary Care
- Mental Health
- OB-GYN
- Dermatologists
- Neurologists
- Cardiologists
- Orthopedists
- Lifestyle Quizzes
- Weight Management
- Am I Depressed? A Quiz for Teens
- Are You a Workaholic?
- How Well Do You Sleep?
- Tools & Resources
- Health News
- Find a Diet
- Find Healthy Snacks
- Drugs A-Z
- Health A-Z
- Health Challenges
- Connect
- Breast Cancer
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease
- Psoriatic Arthritis
- Migraine
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Psoriasis
Medically reviewed by Alana Biggers, M. D., MPH — By Scott Frothingham — Updated on May 30, 2018
Causes of burned fingers
Burning your finger can be incredibly painful because there are many nerve endings in your fingertips. Most burns are caused by:
- hot liquid
- steam
- building fires
- flammable liquids or gases
Treating a burned finger can be done at home. However, if you experience a more serious burn, you may want to visit your doctor.
Burns on your fingers — and anywhere else on your body — are categorized by the levels of damage they cause.
- First-degree burns injure the outer layer of your skin.
- Second-degree burns injure the outer layer and the layer underneath.
- Third-degree burns injure or destroy the deep layers of skin and the tissue underneath.
Burn symptoms are typically related to the severity of the burn. Symptoms of a burned finger include:
- pain, although you shouldn’t judge how bad your burn is based on your pain level
- redness
- swelling
- blisters, which can be filled with fluid or broken and leaking
- red, white, or charred skin
- peeling skin
When performing first aid on a burned finger:
- Don’t apply ice, medicine, ointment, or any household remedy — such as butter or oil spray — to a severe burn.
- Don’t blow on a burn.
- Don’t rub, pick, or otherwise disturb blistered or dead skin.
As long as a burn on your finger isn’t too severe, basic first aid will put you on the road to full recovery. If your burn is major, you should seek immediate medical attention.
Last medically reviewed on May 29, 2018
How we reviewed this article:
Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.
- Burns. (2016).
medlineplus.gov/burns.html - Burns [Fact sheet]. (2018).
nigms.nih.gov/Education/Pages/Factsheet_Burns.aspx - Gupta SS, et al. (2011). Honey dressing versus silver sulfadiazene dressing for wound healing in burn patients: A retrospective study. DOI:
10. 4103/0974-2077.91249 - Hudspith J, et al. (2004). First aid and treatment of minor burns. DOI:
10.1136/bmj.328.7454.1487 - Mayo Clinic Staff. (2015). Burns.
mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/burns/symptoms-causes/syc-20370539 - Silver sulfadiazine. (2018).
medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682598.html
Share this article
Medically reviewed by Alana Biggers, M.D., MPH — By Scott Frothingham — Updated on May 30, 2018
Read this next
- Performing First Aid for Burns
Medically reviewed by Gerhard Whitworth, R.N.
There are specific first aid steps to follow for burns. Learn the difference between minor burns and major burns and how to properly treat them.
READ MORE
- Burns from Boiling Water
Medically reviewed by Cynthia Cobb, DNP, APRN, WHNP-BC, FAANP
Boiling water burns or scalds are injuries caused by moist heat and vapors. Learn how to prevent these burns and how to treat them at home.
READ MORE
- First-Degree Burn
Medically reviewed by Modern Weng, DO
A first-degree burn is an injury that affects the first layer of your skin. First-degree burns are one of the mildest forms of skin injuries.
READ MORE
- What Burns Cause Scars and How Are Burn Scars Treated?
Medically reviewed by Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI
Second- and third-degree burns can cause scars. Treatment options depend on the severity of your burn. Learn more.
READ MORE
- Home Remedies for Burns
You can treat most first-degree and second-degree burns at home by running cool water over the area for 20 minutes. You can also relieve pain with…
READ MORE
- Tongue Burn
Medically reviewed by Judith Marcin, M.D.
Burning your tongue can be painful and frustrating. Drinking hot liquids and eating hot foods can put you at risk of burning your tongue. Learn more…
READ MORE
- Can a Sunburn Cause Congestion?
Medically reviewed by Stacy Sampson, D. O.
Severe sunburns are sometimes referred to as sun poisoning. This can cause severe dehydration that causes flu-like symptoms. Read on to learn more.
READ MORE
- Yes, You Can Get a Sunburn Even on a Cloudy Day
The sun is a powerful source of ultraviolet radiation that can cause significant damage, even on cloudy, overcast days.
READ MORE
- What Causes Lip Discoloration and How Do You Treat It?
Medically reviewed by Judith Marcin, M.D.
Discolored lips can be due to a number of reasons, from harmless staining to severe underlying conditions. If your lips turn blue and you’re having…
READ MORE
Symptoms, severity, treatment, and when to see a doctor
Finger burns range in severity from first to third degree, with each type requiring a different level of care. Many finger burns are treatable at home, but some will require immediate medical care.
Accidents at home lead to many cases of burned fingers, which can also be a common occurrence in the workplace among people with certain occupations.
The common causes of burns range from hot stoves to chemicals.
In this article, we look at the symptoms and different severities of burned fingers. We also discuss the treatment options and explain when to see a doctor.
The symptoms of a burn vary depending on its severity.
The following are the symptoms for first, second, and third degree burns.
First degree burn
First degree burns are the mildest type of burn. The American Academy of Dermatology Association note that first degree burns only affect the top layer of skin.
A person may get a first degree burn on the fingers after touching hot food, a curling or straightening iron, or hot cookware.
Burns can present differently depending on a person’s skin tone. However, the symptoms will typically include a burning or painful sensation and mild swelling. First degree burns are unlikely to cause blisters, but the affected area may appear red or discolored in some people.
Second degree burn
A second degree burn is more severe than a first degree burn.
In addition to affecting the top layer of skin, a second degree burn partially damages the underlying layer, which is called the dermis.
Some common second degree burn symptoms in children include:
- dark red skin or other irregular discoloration
- blisters, under which the skin may be pink
- the burned area being painful to touch
- the burned area appearing shiny and wet
Third degree burn
Third degree burns are the most severe and will likely require specialized treatment.
Burns of this severity destroy both the epidermis and dermis. The symptoms can vary according to the cause and the person’s skin type, but they may include:
- limited or no pain
- blisters
- the skin may appear white, red, pale pink, or tan
- leathery skin
Several common substances and occurrences can cause a person to burn their fingers or other parts of their body.
The following are some common causes of each degree of burn.
First degree
Some common causes of first degree burns on the fingers can include:
- sunlight
- steam
- touching a hot stove
- contact with a curling iron or another heated hair styling tool
- contact with other hot items around the home or workplace
Second degree
Some common causes of second degree burns on the fingers may include:
- severe sunburn
- steam
- chemicals
- electricity
- hot objects around the house or workplace
- flames
- contact with a hot liquid, such as tea or boiling water
Third degree
Third degree burns are the most severe and can occur when the fingers come into contact with:
- electricity
- chemicals
- fire
- hot coals
- grease
- roofing tar
- hot oil
A person should see a doctor if they or their child has a burn that:
- is electrical, even if the burn has only affected the finger or hand
- appears leathery and dry or covers a larger area of the body than just the finger (such as the whole hand)
- surrounds the entire digit
- does not appear to be healing or occurs alongside signs of infection, such as swelling or fever
An older review of studies about burned upper extremities, including parts of the hands, stated that only 25% of burns to the upper limbs require medical assistance.
Among people who require medical treatment for burned fingers or hands, only a minority will require inpatient care.
Burns range in severity from first to third degree, with third being the most severe.
A person should treat any electrical burn as a severe burn and seek medical attention for it immediately.
Most people will experience first or second degree burns from exposure to sunlight or touching a common household item, such as a stove or curling iron, when it is hot.
Treatments often start at home and should include running cool water over the burn and keeping it clean and dry.
Aloe vera and pain relief medications may help with healing and reducing pain.
Burns can present differently in people with different skin tones. However, a person should always see a doctor for any burn that covers a large area of skin or appears leathery and dried out.
First aid for burns: do’s and don’ts
Health
May 1, 2022
Instructions for different types of burns, which will help you not to lose your head at the moment of danger.
A burn is an injury to the skin or mucous membranes, usually caused by high temperatures, but also by chemicals, radiation or electricity. These injuries are the 4th most common type of injury worldwide.
When to see a doctor
Minor burns can be treated at home: they disappear quickly and do not leave marks. But it is necessary to call an ambulance or come to the hospital if:
- the burn was caused by electric shock or lightning;
- it is due to the action of chemicals;
- difficulty breathing or burning of the airways. Symptoms may not appear immediately, so pay attention if the person is coughing, has a sore throat, singed hair on their head or nose;
- the burn affects deep-lying tissues – large blisters on the skin that merge with each other;
- skin looks dry or charred, with white, brown or black patches;
- site of injury swells rapidly;
- the lesion is located on the face, buttocks or genitals;
- a child or an elderly person was burned;
- there are signs of shock – cold and clammy skin, shallow breathing, weak pulse;
- received other injuries;
- have serious chronic diseases, such as diabetes.
First aid for burns
Burns can become inflamed, scarred and even life-threatening, so it is important to act as soon as possible. Action will vary depending on the cause of the injury.
First aid for thermal burns
Most often, such injuries occur at home. For example, because of hot food or drinks, as well as kitchen appliances. To make a small burn go away quickly and leave no traces, proceed as follows:
- Immediately remove the wound away from the hot. The sooner you interrupt the high temperature, the less tissue will be affected.
- Cool the affected area with cool or lukewarm running water.
- Cover with a clean cloth to protect the skin. It is not necessary to tightly wrap the burn site, the bandage should not press.
- For severe pain, you can take an over-the-counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen or paracetamol.
If a burn occurs, for example, during a fire or a traffic accident, there may be other injuries or smoke poisoning. Therefore, in such cases, be sure to call an ambulance and provide first aid.
- Protect the person from fire, steam or hot objects if you can do so without endangering yourself.
- Check breathing and pulse. Start CPR if necessary.
- Remove any clothing and jewelry near the burn, as injured tissue swells quickly.
- Loosely cover the area with a clean cloth or gauze.
- If possible, raise the wound above the level of the heart.
- Watch for signs of shock.
First aid for sunburn
Even on a cloudy day near the water, you can get sunburned, so doctors recommend not to be in the sun from 10:00 to 16:00, and always use sunscreen the rest of the time. If the skin is red, warm and sore, you should:
- Move to a cool place or shade.
- Take a cool shower or bath to cool down. You can gently wipe the skin with a damp towel.
- Use a light after-sun lotion or gel, such as aloe vera.
- Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.
- Protect skin from direct sunlight with clothing until burns are gone.
Usually sunburns disappear on their own, but if they recur or are very painful, it is worth contacting a therapist.
Find out more 🌞
- Do’s and Don’ts for Sunburn
First aid for chemical burns
Burns caused by acids and lyes can be very dangerous. They are not visible, and the solutions penetrate deep into the tissues, so:
- Put on gloves and carefully remove the chemical, remove contaminated clothing. If this is, for example, a T-shirt, then do not try to pull it over your head so as not to accidentally stain your neck, head and hands – it is better to cut the fabric right away.
- Wash the affected area with as much water as possible. Do not rub the solution over the skin, as this may increase the area of the burn.
- As we said above, chemical burns require a mandatory examination by a doctor – seek help.
First aid for electrical injuries
Electric shocks are dangerous in that they may not have any external manifestations and at the same time disrupt the functioning of internal organs. For example, kidney or heart.
Here’s what to do in case of electrical damage.
- If you can move on your own, break contact with the current. If you see someone injured from a low-voltage source, such as household appliances, use a wooden stick or other non-conductive material to move the device away from the victim. Do not approach a person who is connected to a high voltage source, such as a transformer, current collector of an electric train, or a conductor rail in a subway.
- Let us remind you that in case of any electrical injury, you should definitely see a doctor. So call an ambulance or go to the hospital.
Definitely not to do for burns
- Do not open blisters to avoid infection.
- Do not try to remove anything stuck to the skin to avoid further injury.
- Do not use ice for cooling: cold also damages tissues, because of it, the injury will only become deeper.
- Do not apply greasy and thick creams, ointments or oils – they will create a film, the skin will not cool under them.
- Do not use “folk remedies”: sour cream, eggs, honey and others. You can introduce an infection, and it will be difficult for doctors to clean the wound.
This article was first published in August 2017. In April 2022, we updated the text.
Read also 🧐
- Why you can’t touch the cow parsnip and what to do if you still touched it
- What to do if you burned your tongue
- First aid for bleeding: everyone should know this
What to do if you burn your finger? First Aid
Every housewife has experienced burns on her hand while cooking. How to provide first aid? Now we will tell you in detail.
Degrees
So, if I burned my finger badly, what should I do? First you need to figure out what degree of burn you received and how such injuries differ from each other.
I. There is reddening of the skin, swelling of the affected area, the victim feels pain, which gradually subsides after cooling.
II. Characterized by reddening of the skin and the appearance of blisters on it. They can form immediately or after a short period of time. The blisters inside are filled with a yellowish liquid, and under the swollen area there is a red surface of the growth layer of the skin, which gives painful sensations. The healing of such a burn is complicated by the risk of infection. Therefore, it is recommended to use ointments with antiseptic action, which include antibiotics. The fluid inside the bladder is gradually absorbed or it can be removed with a small puncture with a sterile needle at the edge of the burn. It is better to carry out such manipulation in the doctor’s office. After that, a sterile bandage should be applied. After a week, the swelling will subside completely. Then the stratum corneum will begin to form, which is forbidden to tear off. A new epithelium is formed under it, and when its formation is completely over, the crust itself will fall off without causing pain to the victim.
III. Formed when exposed to high temperatures for a long time. There is necrosis of the skin – necrosis. It is either dry or wet. With dry tissue necrosis, the edges of the burns are clearly visible, the skin acquires a dark brown tint and becomes covered with a crust. Healing occurs by scarring. With wet tissue necrosis, redness, swelling, sometimes blistering, swelling are observed. While maintaining the growth layer, even in a small area, epithelialization will occur.
IV. The most terrible degree of burns. There is necrosis of not only the upper layer of the skin, but also subcutaneous fat, tendons, muscles and even bones. The affected area is very wide. A burn threatens not only the health, but also the life of the victim.
Burnt with oil
If you burn your finger with oil, what should I do first? First you need to substitute the burn site under a stream of cold water, apply ice or make cool lotions.
As a result of these actions, you will not only feel relief, but also reduce the depth of the burn. Do not overexpose the cold, the optimal time for this procedure is 30 minutes. Then you should apply a sterile bandage that will not exert excessive pressure on the burn site. Try to avoid infection of the wound. Do not lubricate the damaged tissue with vegetable oil and tear off the bubble that has formed.
It is possible to use some folk remedies for the treatment of burns.
The most common method is to apply a bandage with aloe juice and its jelly-like pulp. Potatoes are also great for burns. To do this, grate one tuber on a fine grater and put on cheesecloth. It should be applied to the damaged area of \u200b\u200bthe skin for no more than 10-15 minutes. You can use a cotton pad soaked in black or green tea and change it constantly to keep it from drying out.
Burned by steam
If I burned my finger with steam, what should I do? First, remove your finger from the steam source. Then hold under running cold water and apply a sterile bandage. For first-degree burns, it is recommended to use means that will anesthetize the damaged area. They will also promote healing.
For more severe burns, the assistance of a doctor is required to separate the exfoliated epidermis and gently treat the skin around the skin with an antiseptic. Ointment dressings are also used, which must be changed every 3-4 hours.
I burned my finger with boiling water. What to do?
There are a number of factors that affect the size and nature of the burn:
- fluid temperature;
- volume of fluid and area of its spread over the skin;
- pressure at which skin contact occurred.
First of all, cool the injured finger with running water, then apply an ice pack and treat the area around the wound with an antiseptic. For first-degree burns, a spray is recommended to help speed up the healing of the wound. In the second, a bandage is applied and a thick layer of Vaseline is applied. In case of deep burns, it is necessary to call an ambulance and follow the recommendations of the dispatcher until it arrives.
A bubble has formed
What should a girl do if she burns her finger? What to do at home if a bubble has formed?
As with any thermal burn, it is necessary to cool the affected area of the skin for 20-30 minutes, then rinse the entire area around the burn with furacilin solution. The resulting blister should not be cut off or attempted to be torn off. If the bubble is small, then it does not need a puncture. It is enough to lubricate it with a special ointment. If the blister area is large, or there are several of them, but of medium size, then it is necessary to puncture with a disinfected needle to remove excess fluid under it. Then you should apply an ointment, which contains an antibiotic, and bandage your finger.
Prohibited
What should I do if my finger is burned?
- Lubricate the burned area with hydrogen peroxide.
- Apply iodine or brilliant green directly to the burn.
- Clean the area itself with alcohol.
- Lubricate the affected area with vegetable oil.
It is desirable that your home medicine cabinet contains special products that will help to anesthetize the burn and speed up its healing: Panthenol, Levomekol, Solcoseryl, etc.
Thermal injuries vary in size and extent. If the burned part is more than 10% of the skin, then the victim requires immediate hospitalization. For 1% of the skin, it is customary to consider an area the size of a human palm, and to determine the size of the burn, the patient’s brush is usually applied to the wound surface.
Burnt by the fire
What should I do if I burn my gloved finger by the fire? First you need to extinguish the flame on the glove, and for this you need to block the access of oxygen to the fire. For example, immerse your hand in the ground, sand, water or snow. The remnants of the glove must be carefully removed from the brush, while not tearing off the adhering fabric. Next, cool the burnt area. After that, it is recommended to apply any anti-burn agent and apply a bandage. After carrying out all these measures, it is necessary to go to the hospital so that the doctor cleans the wound from tissue remnants and rinses it. But what if you burned your finger, and there are no funds and sterile gauze nearby? In such cases, after you have cooled the affected area, you need to apply a bandage made from clean clothes, a scarf, a scarf. This will prevent infection from entering the wound. The main thing is not to panic in this situation. After all, it can harm the victim.
Burned finger of a child
Many mothers have experienced situations when a child touches a hot pot, kettle or iron. What to do if a small child burns his finger? The procedure should be exactly the same as in the case when an adult was injured. You can apply ointments that will numb the burn area to soothe the baby. Talk to him without raising your voice.
Apply a dressing so that the victim has no access to the burn, calm and distract the child from what happened.