Is it useful to apply toothpaste on a burnt finger?

Written by Chen Xiao Jun
Emergency Department
Updated on September 19, 2024
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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 Chen Xiao Jun
Emergency Department
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What should I do if the circulation is poor after a finger scald?

After a finger is scalded and circulation is poor, it is necessary to improve this by constantly changing the dressing. Poor circulation after scalding affects the recovery of finger skin and the formation of new skin. If poor circulation is observed after a scald, it is crucial to intensify dressing changes, even remove necrotic tissue, and promote the growth of granulation tissue. When necessary, relevant medications can be used to remove decay and generate new muscle, improve microcirculation, and promote the regeneration of skin and muscle.

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Written by Wang Xiang Li
Emergency Medicine
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How to treat burns from hot oil

After being scalded by hot oil, the first step is to remove yourself from the scalding environment and immediately rinse or soak the affected area with cold water for at least 20-30 minutes to reduce temperature and pain. Afterwards, disinfect with iodophor. Scald ointments, such as safflower oil, can be applied to the affected area. For blisters formed after a scald, use a sterile needle to puncture and drain the blister fluid, then apply medication and wrap it with sterile gauze. If the scald covers a large area or is a third-degree burn, it is generally not manageable on your own and requires prompt medical attention to avoid delaying treatment. (Please follow medical advice when using medication.)

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Written by Li Xiao Lin
Emergency Department
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What should I do if it itches unbearably after a burn?

After experiencing significant itching following a burn, the first consideration should be whether there is an infection or an allergic reaction. Observe the condition of the wound, thoroughly disinfect it with iodine to prevent infection, then apply mupirocin ointment or erythromycin ointment to the surface to treat the infection. Wrap with sterile gauze, and if necessary, apply ice packs to help relieve itching. Then take oral antibiotics, such as cefuroxime axetil capsules or levofloxacin capsules, for infection treatment, and take cetirizine or loratadine orally to manage allergies and alleviate symptoms. Additionally, maintain good hygiene, try to avoid exposure to air and raw water to prevent infections, and pay attention to diet. Avoid spicy and irritating foods, drink plenty of water, eat fresh vegetables and fruits to supplement vitamins, and consume high-protein, nutritious food to help improve the condition. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a physician.)

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Written by Wang Xiang Li
Emergency Medicine
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How to relieve pain after a burn or scald

Cold therapy is the best way to alleviate pain after a burn. Firstly, you should use running tap water or cold water to soak the affected area for more than half an hour. This can prevent heat from continuing to affect the wound and can dull the peripheral nerves in the area, reducing pain, exudation, and swelling. Secondly, you can apply some dilute saltwater to the wound to relieve pain and reduce inflammation, and then apply burn ointment to the burned area. In severe cases, oral pain relievers such as ibuprofen can be taken, and if necessary, pain medication can be administered via muscle injection. If the burned area is large, it is necessary to go to the hospital for formal treatment in a timely manner.

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Written by Huang Ling Juan
Dermatology
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What should I do if I get a burn on my face?

If a burn occurs on the face, first rinse the burned area with running tap water or immerse the burned part of the face in a basin of tap water to promptly reduce the temperature of the burn site and lessen heat damage to the deeper tissues. Be sure the water is not too cold and generally rinse or soak for about 30 minutes, until the pain at the wound site significantly eases, and then rinsing or soaking may be discontinued. After rinsing or soaking in cool water, observe the burned area. If the burn site is slightly purple and red, you can apply some burn ointment at home. If there are obvious blisters or the skin is broken, protect the burn site with a clean towel and go to the nearest hospital burn department for professional medical treatment quickly. Be sure to protect the blisters on the burn site to avoid bursting them.