Why did the burnt finger turn black?

Written by Li Xiao Lin
Emergency Department
Updated on June 02, 2025
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Finger burns that turn black indicate a relatively severe burn, likely second-degree or worse. It is crucial to immediately rinse the burn with cold water or running cold water for at least 30 minutes to lower the temperature and alleviate pain symptoms. After initial treatment, seek further medical assistance at a hospital for procedures like disinfection, burn ointment application, or wrapping with gauze for protective treatment. If the pain is significant, oral painkillers such as acetaminophen or celecoxib can be taken for pain relief. If oral painkillers are ineffective, pain relief medication may be administered via muscle injection. Antibiotics may also be needed to prevent infection. Additionally, it is advised to receive a tetanus antitoxin injection as a preventative treatment against tetanus. Under a doctor's supervision, dressings should be frequently or daily changed to promote healing of the burn. Drink plenty of water, consume more vegetables and fruits, and avoid spicy foods to facilitate the recovery of the injured finger.

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Written by Huang Ling Juan
Dermatology
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How to remove burn scars

Scars from burns, if relatively fresh, can be treated with scar removal creams such as silicone gel dressings. It is necessary to consistently use these creams for about three months, and using them in conjunction with scar patches can enhance the effects. During the use of scar creams, the diet should also be light, avoiding spicy and irritating foods, and consuming more fresh vegetables and fruits that are rich in Vitamin C, and foods high in vitamins. At the same time, avoid intense exercise and scratching the affected area to prevent worsening of the scar hyperplasia. For older burn scars, fractional laser treatment can be considered. Depending on the degree of scar elevation, typically three to five treatments are needed. (Use medication under the guidance of a doctor)

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Written by Wang Xiang Li
Emergency Medicine
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Should blisters from burns be punctured?

Whether to prick a blister caused by a burn depends on the size of the blister. For smaller, dense blisters, it's generally not necessary to break them, as the fluid can be absorbed naturally. However, it's important to keep the wound clean to avoid secondary injury, and topical burn ointment can be applied. For larger blisters caused by burns, or those with high tension that interfere with daily activities or life, and are difficult to absorb, you can sterilize the area and then use a sterile needle to puncture the base of the blister to drain the fluid. Be sure to thoroughly clean out the fluid inside the blister. However, the blister skin should be kept intact to cover the skin, providing protection, reducing the risk of infection, and promoting recovery.

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Written by Li Xiao Lin
Emergency Department
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What will happen if a burn on the finger is not treated?

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 Chen Xiao Jun
Emergency Department
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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.

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Written by Wang Xiang Li
Emergency Medicine
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What should I do if I don't have burn ointment after a burn?

After getting burned and if there is no burn ointment at hand, you should first remove the clothes around the burn, and then rinse or soak the wound in cold water for more than half an hour, and then apply vegetable oil to the wound. If there is noticeable redness, swelling, and pain, as well as blisters of various sizes, you can use a sterilized needle to puncture the blisters from the bottom, and squeeze out the blister fluid from top to bottom, but do not tear off the blister skin. Then disinfect with iodine and wrap the wound with a clean cloth, and promptly go to the hospital for further treatment. The patient should avoid spicy and irritating foods to reduce congestion and swelling at the burned area, thereby reducing local pain and itching.