Will burns from oil heal by themselves?

Written by Wang Xiang Li
Emergency Medicine
Updated on March 22, 2025
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Whether a burn from oil will heal on its own depends on the severity of the burn. If the skin is only red on the surface after being scalded by oil, it indicates a first-degree burn. Such burns do not require special treatment and generally subside on their own. However, it is important to protect the wound area and avoid friction. If blisters form, dressing is required, as undressed, the blister skin may rupture, which could lead to an easily infected wound. Additionally, if the burn is deeper, with localized waxen or charred skin appearing after the burn, it indicates a severe burn. In such cases, it is necessary to seek hospital treatment, where skin grafting may be needed.

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Written by Li Xiao Lin
Emergency Department
43sec home-news-image

How many days do I need to apply ointment for a burn on my finger?

The duration of applying medication for a finger burn depends on the severity of the burn. If the burn is minor, medication is generally applied for two to three days until the pain is not significant, and then it may no longer be necessary to apply medication, as mild burns only affect the epidermis and relief from pain is sufficient. If the burn is more severe, medication may need to be applied for a longer period. Therefore, it is crucial to immediately rinse the burn under running water for at least half an hour to cool it down and minimize further progression of the burn. This action is beneficial for recovery. Additionally, if the burn is quite severe, it is advisable to seek prompt medical treatment at a hospital.

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Written by Chen Xiao Jun
Emergency Department
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How to deal with a burn on the finger that has not broken the skin

After accidentally burning a finger, even if the skin isn't broken, it should be treated quickly to prevent further absorption of heat and further damage to the skin, soft tissue, and muscles. Many skin and soft tissue burns can appear after a period of time. The burned finger should be immediately rinsed with ice water or cold water, for about 20-30 minutes. If there are ice cubes available at home, they can be used to locally apply ice. This can quickly and effectively reduce the heat damage to the skin and soft tissues, improve the prognosis, shorten the course of treatment, and at the same time, attention should be paid to prevent infection.

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Written by Wang Xiang Li
Emergency Medicine
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How to treat oil burns?

After being scalded by oil, it is necessary to quickly rinse the affected area with plenty of cold water or running tap water to alleviate pain, and then thoroughly disinfect it with iodophor. If blisters form after a scald, for smaller blisters, applying a moist burn cream can promote the healing of the wound. Small blisters generally can be absorbed on their own. If there are large blisters, you should first use a sterile syringe to aspirate the fluid inside the blister, while preserving the blister skin. At the same time, applying burn moistening cream to the surface can prevent infection. If the epidermis is broken, it is necessary to go to a formal hospital for treatment promptly. After a scald, it is important to eat lightly, consume more vegetables and fruits, and eat high-protein, nutritious foods to promote the healing of the wound. Do not eat spicy and irritating foods, drink plenty of water, avoid getting the wound wet to prevent infection, and change dressings according to the doctor's instructions.

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Written by Li Xiao Lin
Emergency Department
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What should I do if my finger swells up from a burn?

After a finger burn, it should immediately be rinsed with cold or running water continuously for at least half an hour to cool down the damaged skin. Then, use iodine or alcohol to disinfect the area, followed by covering it with a dressing. If swelling occurs, cold packs with ice water can be applied. Alternatively, magnesium sulfate wet compresses or more traditional remedies, such as continually applying potato slices, can help reduce the swelling. However, these methods will require some time to take effect. The main goal is to alleviate symptoms through anti-inflammatory and pain relief treatments, allowing the inflammation of the soft tissues to subside gradually and the swelling to reduce.

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Written by Li Xiao Lin
Emergency Department
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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.