Should the burned skin on the finger be cut off?

Written by Li Xiao Lin
Emergency Department
Updated on January 17, 2025
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Whether to cut off the skin after a finger burn depends on the specific circumstances and cannot be generalized. It depends on the cause of the finger burn. If the burn is caused by relatively clean boiling water, the skin does not need to be cut off after disinfection. The skin acts as a protective layer, similar to a dressing, which can reduce contact with foreign objects and minimize damage to the burn from external particles or foreign objects, therefore providing certain protection. However, if the burn is caused by contaminated substances, such as lime, and the finger is contaminated, the previously burned skin should be cut off. After cleaning, it is considered a foreign object that could potentially worsen an infection.

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Written by Li Xiao Lin
Emergency Department
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Why did the burnt finger turn black?

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 Wang Xiang Li
Emergency Medicine
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What should I do if it itches after a burn?

Itchy after scalding may be a mild itching sensation that appears during the wound healing process. This situation does not require deliberate treatment. With timely medication and dressing changes, the itchy feeling can gradually subside as the skin at the wound site heals. However, if redness and mild suppuration occur at the wound site, this indicates an allergic infection. In such cases, it is recommended to clean and disinfect with iodophor, followed by the external application of antibacterial medication and dressing, which can help treat the infection and promote healing at the site. If necessary, oral cephalosporin medications can be taken for combined treatment, which is more conducive to promoting healing. Additionally, during the recovery period, it is important to keep the wound dry and sanitary, avoid contact with water, and not consume spicy and irritating foods, to avoid affecting the healing of the wound.

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Written by Li Xiao Lin
Emergency Department
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How to treat scalds from boiling water?

After being scalded by boiling water, immediately rinse the scalded area with running cold water for at least half an hour, or until the pain eases, then assess the condition of the burn. If the scalded area is only red and experiencing severe pain, applying toothpaste, aloe, or tung oil topically can have a cooling and pain-relieving effect. Pain relief medications, such as oral painkillers or celecoxib, can also be used to alleviate the symptoms. If blisters appear on the scalded area or if the skin starts peeling, immediately go to the hospital for further treatment. Disinfect the wound thoroughly with iodine to prevent infection, then apply burn ointment to the surface to promote healing of the scalded tissue. If there are large blisters, use a sterile syringe to aspirate the fluid, or make a small cut at the base of the blister to drain the fluid, which can facilitate recovery. Apply erythromycin ointment to the surface to prevent infection. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a physician.)

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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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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.