How to deal with peeling skin after a finger burn?

Written by Chen Xiao Jun
Emergency Department
Updated on September 04, 2024
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After a finger is scalded and begins to peel, it is essential to immediately use ice water and cool water to rinse the area, which can be done for about half an hour. If there is ice available at home, you can use ice packs for local cold compresses. This can quickly lower the local temperature and reduce further damage to the skin, soft tissues, and muscles from the heat. On the other hand, you can use appropriate ointments to prevent infections that may occur after the local skin is damaged, while also incorporating comprehensive treatments such as fluid replenishment. If there is a worsening of the local infection, it is necessary to go to the hospital for further treatment.

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Written by Chen Xiao Jun
Emergency Department
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Is it useful to apply toothpaste on a burnt finger?

Applying toothpaste to a burn on the finger does not effectively alleviate the condition, nor does it effectively reduce damage to the skin, soft tissues, and muscles. Instead, it is advisable to promptly rinse the burned finger with ice water or cool water repeatedly for about 20 to 30 minutes. If there are ice cubes available at home, they can be used to apply ice packs to the burned area. This can quickly and effectively lower the local skin temperature, reduce the absorption of heat, and minimize damage to the human skin, muscles, and soft tissues. If the condition worsens, it is more appropriate to timely seek medical treatment at a hospital.

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Written by Li Xiao Lin
Emergency Department
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How many days do I need to apply ointment for a burn on my finger?

The duration of applying medication for a finger burn depends on the severity of the burn. If the burn is minor, medication is generally applied for two to three days until the pain is not significant, and then it may no longer be necessary to apply medication, as mild burns only affect the epidermis and relief from pain is sufficient. If the burn is more severe, medication may need to be applied for a longer period. Therefore, it is crucial to immediately rinse the burn under running water for at least half an hour to cool it down and minimize further progression of the burn. This action is beneficial for recovery. Additionally, if the burn is quite severe, it is advisable to seek prompt medical treatment at a hospital.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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Can the blisters from a burn be punctured?

Whether to rupture the blisters that appear after a burn depends on the situation. If the blisters caused by the burn are relatively small, it is not necessary to puncture them, as this is better for the skin and can provide protection. However, if the blisters that appear after the burn are large, it is advisable to rupture them, because if the blisters are too large, the fluid cannot be completely absorbed by the body, which can hinder healing.

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Written by Li Xiao Lin
Emergency Department
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What should I do if my finger swells up from a burn?

After a finger burn, it should immediately be rinsed with cold or running water continuously for at least half an hour to cool down the damaged skin. Then, use iodine or alcohol to disinfect the area, followed by covering it with a dressing. If swelling occurs, cold packs with ice water can be applied. Alternatively, magnesium sulfate wet compresses or more traditional remedies, such as continually applying potato slices, can help reduce the swelling. However, these methods will require some time to take effect. The main goal is to alleviate symptoms through anti-inflammatory and pain relief treatments, allowing the inflammation of the soft tissues to subside gradually and the swelling to reduce.

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Written by Li Xiao Lin
Emergency Department
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Can a burnt finger be wrapped up?

Burned fingers should not be wrapped up. A finger burn occurs when the skin and soft tissues of the finger are damaged by hot water, causing an inflammatory response, which can lead to symptoms such as redness, swelling, heat, and pain, and severe cases can cause necrosis of the skin and dermis. If wrapped up, the temperature of the burned finger cannot decrease, which might worsen the degree of the burn. Generally, after a finger burn, it is advisable to quickly soak or rinse the finger in cold or running water for at least about half an hour to lower the temperature of the finger. This can reduce the severity of the burn and thus protect the finger.