What will happen if a burn on the finger is not treated?

Written by Li Xiao Lin
Emergency Department
Updated on September 07, 2024
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The treatment of burns depends on the severity of the burn and cannot be generalized. For minor burns, such as when a finger is slightly red, indicating a mild burn, simply rinsing with water is adequate, and no special treatment is necessary. However, if the burn is more severe and has reached the dermis, it requires prompt attention. First, the area should be thoroughly rinsed with cold water for at least half an hour to quickly cool the area and alleviate the worsening of the condition. Additionally, it is crucial to seek further treatment at a hospital, where disinfection, bandaging, and possibly other examinations will be performed. If the burn is severe, treatments such as intravenous fluids and anti-infection measures may be necessary.

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Written by Li Xiao Lin
Emergency Department
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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.)

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Written by Li Xiao Lin
Emergency Department
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Do you need to disinfect every day after a burn?

Whether daily disinfection is necessary after a burn depends on the condition of the burn. If it is a minor burn with only superficial reddening, it is not necessary to disinfect daily after the initial treatment on the first day. If the burn is more severe and blisters have formed, it is recommended to disinfect daily, apply burn ointment, and cover with a dressing to prevent infection. Additionally, it is advised to drink plenty of water, eat fresh vegetables and fruits, consume high-protein and nutritious foods to promote healing of the burn, and avoid spicy and irritating foods.

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Written by Wang Xiang Li
Emergency Medicine
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Can I eat lamb after a burn?

Whether a burn patient can eat mutton mainly depends on the severity of the patient's condition. It is best not to eat mutton because mutton is quite pungent and is considered a hot-natured food. Eating such food after being burned is not conducive to the recovery of the burn and can make the burn more severe, easily causing local wound infection and inflammation. Apart from mutton, spicy and stimulating foods are also not recommended, such as raw onions, raw garlic, chili peppers, Sichuan peppers, leeks, fish, shrimp, beef, and dog meat. Patients should also avoid smoking and alcohol, and it is better for them to have a bland diet, which can promote metabolism and facilitate the recovery from burns.

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Written by Chen Xiao Jun
Emergency Department
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How many days will it take for a burn on the finger to heal?

The relief from a finger burn can take days, depending on the severity of the burn and the extent of damage to the skin, soft tissues, and muscles. For mild burns, only the epidermal layer is damaged, and in general, such cases will gradually heal within about a week. On the other hand, if the burn affects the skin, soft tissues, and muscles, recovery can take a very long time, especially if complications such as infections occur, which will extend the treatment period. After burning a finger, do not blindly treat it at home; instead, seek analysis and a subsequent treatment plan from a professional doctor.

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Written by Wang Xiang Li
Emergency Medicine
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Can finger burns severely affect movement?

After a finger is scalded but can still move, aside from leaving scars, it generally heals well and is not particularly serious. If the patient feels significant pain, the first step is to soak the wound in cold water. If there are blisters that are not very large, do not break them, as they can protect the wound and prevent bacterial invasion. For some larger blisters whose skins have died, they should be cleaned promptly. Normally, disinfecting with iodine can prevent infection. If the burn is severe, a burn ointment can be applied, but be careful to keep it dry with no further treatment required; it will typically take about 10 days for the blistered area to heal completely.