Why does a burn on the finger hurt so much?

Written by Chen Xiao Jun
Emergency Department
Updated on September 11, 2024
00:00
00:00

After a finger is scalded, it can be extremely painful. This is related to the sensitivity of the nerve endings in the fingers. The limbs and fingers have a dense distribution of nerves, and when scalded or injured, the pain can be very pronounced, resulting in sharp and stabbing symptoms. After a finger is scalded, it is important to cool it down promptly to reduce the damage to the skin tissue. Depending on the condition, relevant medications should be used to prevent infection. Medications can also be used to reduce the symptoms of pain. If the pain is particularly severe, appropriate pain relief medication can be used (please use medications under the guidance of a doctor).

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Xiao Lin
Emergency Department
37sec home-news-image

Why do burns on fingers blister?

After a finger is scalded, the high local temperature causes some damage underneath the skin, resulting in the skin oozing fluid. This fluid accumulates and forms blisters, so after a scald, the finger may develop a blister or several blisters. Once a blister has formed, try not to puncture it. It can be disinfected with iodine and allowed to absorb slowly on its own. Puncturing the blister might lead to infection, worsening the condition. Generally, after a finger is scalded and a blister forms, it suffices to disinfect the area. Of course, it is crucial to cool the finger quickly after the scald to minimize further damage.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Xiao Lin
Emergency Department
1min 11sec home-news-image

How long will it take for the swelling to go down after a burn?

This question is answered by the Deputy Chief Physician Li Xiaolin from the Emergency Department at Ganzhou People's Hospital, contracted through PureHealth. How long does it take for swelling to subside after a burn? The duration depends on individual constitution and the measures taken after the burn. It also greatly relates to usual diet and other factors. If the burn is mild and not very obvious, it can be resolved relatively quickly with standard treatment. However, if the burn is severe and covers a large area, and if swelling is also significant, the swelling is relatively difficult to reduce and will take a longer time to subside. Inappropriate treatment can lead to worsening of the condition and further complications. Therefore, immediate measures should be taken when a burn occurs: - Rinse with cold water for at least half an hour or until the pain subsides mainly. - Thoroughly disinfect with iodine to alleviate symptoms and slow the progression of the condition. Additionally, be cautious with your diet by avoiding spicy and stimulating foods, seafood, and inflammatory foods. For free expert consultation, please search PureHealth.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Wang Xiang Li
Emergency Medicine
52sec home-news-image

What should I do if I get burned by hot oil?

After being scalded by hot oil, first, you should quickly move away from the hot oil. If oil splashes onto your clothes, carefully remove the oil-soaked clothing, including pants, shoes, and socks. Rinse the affected area with running water for more than half an hour to reduce the burning sensation and pain. If the scald manifests as local redness or small blisters, you can apply burn ointment to the surface. Try not to break the blisters or the epidermis to avoid bacterial infection. If blisters have already formed, under strict sterilization, you can use a sterilized needle to drain the blister fluid and then cover the wound with gauze to protect it from water. If the blisters are relatively large, it is advisable to go to the hospital burn department for examination, treatment, and care.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Xiao Lin
Emergency Department
56sec home-news-image

What should I do if it keeps burning after a scald?

After a burn, if there is persistent burning pain, you can first rinse with running cold water until the pain eases. Then apply toothpaste, aloe, or camphor oil on the surface of the burn to cool and relieve pain, alleviating symptoms. If necessary, cover the burned area with a sterile gauze and then apply ice. This can help relieve pain. If needed, pain relief medication such as painkillers or celecoxib can be taken orally. If the pain is severe, you can also go to the hospital for an intramuscular injection of dexamethasone or butorphanol to relieve symptoms. Also, pay attention to diet; avoid spicy, stimulating foods and foods that cause inflammation. Drink plenty of water and eat fresh vegetables and fruits. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a physician.)

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Chen Xiao Jun
Emergency Department
48sec home-news-image

What should I do about the dead skin from a burn on my finger?

Generally, after a finger is scalded, damage occurs to the skin's soft tissues, and some of the skin may necrotize. Once necrosis sets in, the blood supply to the affected area becomes poor. At this point, it is necessary for the body to promptly remove this dead skin. It is best to have debridement under the guidance of a physician to remove the necrotic skin and soft tissue; otherwise, these necrotic tissues can easily become infected, which in turn can cause harm to the body. Therefore, after necrosis occurs following a finger scald, it is advisable to immediately visit the emergency department of a hospital for debridement. Removing the necrotic tissue and performing proper dressing and disinfection will promote the rapid recovery and healing of the skin tissues.