How long will it take for a burn on the finger to heal?

Written by Li Xiao Lin
Emergency Department
Updated on January 18, 2025
00:00
00:00

How long it takes for a finger burn to improve depends on the severity of the burn, and one cannot generalize. If the burn affects only the epidermal layer, recovery or complete healing generally takes about a week. This is because skin metabolism, which takes about 5 to 7 days to renew, especially at burned areas such as on the face or fingers, can take longer to heal.

Moreover, if the burn is deeper, reaching below the dermal layer, the recovery time depends on how deep the burn is. It might take 2 weeks or even up to a month for complete recovery. Therefore, the duration needed for a burn to heal depends on the severity of the burn.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Xiao Lin
Emergency Department
46sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Xiao Lin
Emergency Department
34sec home-news-image

Can you take a bath with a burned finger?

Burned fingers can be washed during a bath, as long as the burned finger does not come into contact with running water. Of course, if the finger burn is only minor, merely affecting the epidermis, it actually does not matter if it comes into contact with water while bathing. However, if the burn is severe, then it must not come into contact with water to prevent infection and worsening of the condition. The main treatment for finger burns involves disinfecting and protecting the burned area, controlling infection, and promoting recovery. Bathing does not affect this process.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Wang Xiang Li
Emergency Medicine
48sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Wang Xiang Li
Emergency Medicine
1min 7sec home-news-image

How to treat steam burns

After being scalded by steam, if it is just a minor burn without blistering or broken skin, only redness and pain, you can rinse the wound under tap water immediately or soak it in cold water for more than half an hour, the longer the better, in order to reduce the continued penetration of heat and avoid damage to deeper tissues. If the skin is only reddened and there is no need for special treatment, it can subside on its own. If the burning sensation is severe, you can disinfect with iodine and then apply burn ointment to the burn area. Try not to bandage the wound to keep it breathable, which can help the wound heal faster. If bandaging is necessary, use light, sterile gauze. The wound should be kept dry, and wet clothing should be cut off after cooling to prevent further contamination of the wound. It is advisable to seek timely medical treatment at a hospital.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Huang Ling Juan
Dermatology
54sec home-news-image

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)