Treatment FAQ

what first aid treatment is good for a slightly burned finger

by Camilla Cole IV Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago

Treating minor burns
  • Cool the burn. ...
  • Remove rings or other tight items from the burned area. ...
  • Don't break blisters. ...
  • Apply lotion. ...
  • Bandage the burn. ...
  • If needed, take a nonprescription pain reliever, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others), naproxen sodium (Aleve) or acetaminophen (Tylenol, others).

Medication

You should:

  • Run cool water over your finger or hand for 10 to 15 minutes.
  • After flushing the burn, cover it with a dry, sterile bandage.
  • If necessary, take over-the-counter (OTC) pain medication such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), or acetaminophen (Tylenol).
  • Once it’s cooled, put on a thin layer of a moisturizing lotion or gel such as aloe vera.

Self-care

When giving first aid care to a person who is bleeding, it is crucial to always wear protective eyewear and gloves. Whenever you may come in contact with blood or bodily fluids, it is universally recommended that you use personal protective equipment, which keeps both you and the injured or ill person from being exposed to a blood-borne disease.

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Steps to take until emergency arrives include:

  • Make sure you and the person who’s burned are safe and out of harm’s way. ...
  • Check to see if they’re breathing. ...
  • Remove restrictive items from their body, such as belts and jewelry in or near the burned areas. ...
  • Cover the burned area. ...
  • Separate fingers and toes. ...
  • Remove clothing from burned areas, but don’t try to remove clothing that’s stuck to the skin.

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What should I do about a burn on my finger?

Use an Antibiotic: It’s important to apply antibiotic cream to a burn to prevent potential infection. Over-the-counter options include Bacitracin and Neosporin. Apply Aloe Vera to the Skin: Aloe vera has properties known for healing burns. It will also help reduce skin dryness and irritation. Once the burn is cool, apply aloe vera to dry skin.

What is the first concern when giving first aid?

How do you perform first aid on a burn victim?

What is first aid given for minor and major burns?

What is the best first aid for a minor burn?

First aid for Minor BurnsUse cool water, not ice. ... If possible, particularly if the burn is caused by chemicals, hold the burned skin under cool running water for 10 to 15 minutes until it does not hurt as much.More items...•

Can you put ice on a minor burn?

A: No, you should not use ice, or even ice-cold water, on a burn. Extreme cold applied to a burn can further damage the tissue. To properly cool and clean a burn, remove any clothing that covers it.

What's the best ointment for a burn?

A good over-the-counter option for an uncomplicated burn is to use Polysporin or Neosporin ointment, which you can then cover with a non-stick dressing like Telfa pads.

How do you stop a burn from throbbing?

Immediately immerse the burn in cool tap water or apply cold, wet compresses. Do this for about 10 minutes or until the pain subsides. Apply petroleum jelly two to three times daily. Do not apply ointments, toothpaste or butter to the burn, as these may cause an infection.

Is toothpaste good for burns?

A study published in the Journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries notes that applying toothpaste to a burn is a "potentially harmful" treatment that can "worsen the burn." Toothpaste can intensify the burn's pain and increase the risk of infection and scarring.

Is Vaseline good for burns?

You may be given a cream to apply to keep the skin moist while it heals. Petroleum Jelly (such as Vaseline) can also be used for this. You should apply it three to four times a day until the burn has healed.

Should you cover a burn or let it breathe?

Should you cover a burn or let it breathe? If you should suffer a burn, follow the steps above and keep your wound covered so that it will have ideal moist wound healing conditions. Keep the burn loosely covered with a clean bandage, dressing or gauze pad.

How to treat a first degree burn?

People can care for a first degree burn by: running the burn under cool water for 5 minutes to stop the burning. removing jewelry from around the burn. covering the burned finger with a sterile bandage that will not stick to the burn. using a lotion that contains aloe vera to help alleviate pain.

How to treat a burn on the skin?

Treatments often start at home and should include running cool water over the burn and keeping it clean and dry. Aloe vera and pain relief medications may help with healing and reducing pain. Burns can present differently in people with different skin tones.

Why do my fingers burn?

Accidents at home lead to many cases of burned fingers, which can also be a common occurrence in the workplace among people with certain occupations. The common causes of burns range from hot stoves to chemicals. In this article, we look at the symptoms and different severities of burned fingers.

What is the most severe burn?

Third degree burns are the most severe and will likely require specialized treatment. Burns of this severity destroy both the epidermis and dermis. The symptoms can vary according to the cause and the person’s skin type, but they may include: limited or no pain. blisters.

What is the mildest type of burn?

First degree burns are the mildest type of burn. The American Academy of Dermatology Association note that first degree burns only affect the top layer of skin. A person may get a first degree burn on the fingers after touching hot food, a curling or straightening iron, or hot cookware.

How to treat a burn from electricity?

Some treatment steps can include: running the burn under cool water. applying antibiotic ointment to the burn. covering the burn with bandages. keeping the burn clean. If electricity causes a burn, the burn is large, or the affected skin appears charred or leathery, a person should seek emergency care.

What is a second degree burn?

Second degree burn. A second degree burn is more severe than a first degree burn. In addition to affecting the top layer of skin, a second degree burn partially damages the underlying layer, which is called the dermis. Some common second degree burn symptoms in children include: dark red skin or other irregular discoloration.

How to treat a burn?

Treating major burns. Protect the burned person from further harm. If you can do so safely, make sure the person you're helping is not in contact with the source of the burn. For electrical burns, make sure the power source is off before you approach the burned person. Make certain that the person burned is breathing.

How to get rid of a burnt person?

Make certain that the person burned is breathing. If needed, begin rescu e breathing if you know how. Remove jewelry, belts and other restrictive items, especially from around burned areas and the neck. Burned areas swell rapidly.

How to stop blisters from burning?

Wrap it loosely to avoid putting pressure on burned skin. Bandaging keeps air off the area, reduces pain and protects blistered skin. If needed, take an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others), naproxen sodium (Aleve) or acetaminophen (Tylenol, others). Burns.

How to know if you have a burnt wound?

Doing so could cause a serious loss of body heat (hypothermia). Elevate the burned area. Raise the wound above heart level, if possible. Watch for signs of shock. Signs and symptoms include fainting, pale complexion or breathing in a notably shallow fashion.

What are the symptoms of a burn?

A minor burn that doesn't require emergency care may involve: 1 Superficial redness similar to a sunburn 2 Pain 3 Blisters 4 An area no larger than 3 inches (about 8 centimeters) in diameter

What to do if you have a burn on your hand?

If hands and feet are burned, separate the fingers and toes with dry and sterile, nonadhesive bandages. Remove clothing from burned areas, but don’t try to remove clothing that’s stuck to the skin. Avoid immersing the person or burned body parts in water. Hypothermia (severe loss of body heat) can occur if you immerse large, severe burns in water. ...

How to treat a burn?

The first step in treating a major burn is to call 911 or seek emergency medical care. Steps to take until emergency arrives include: Make sure you and the person who’s burned are safe and out of harm’s way. Move them away from the source of the burn. If it’s an electrical burn, turn off the power source before touching them.

How to stop a burn from swelling?

After holding the burn under cool, running water, apply cool, wet compresses until the pain subsides. Remove tight items, such as rings, from the burned area. Be gentle, but move quickly before swelling starts. Avoid breaking blisters. Blisters with fluid protect the area from infection.

How to treat a blister on the back of your hand?

If a blister breaks, clean the area and gently apply an antibiotic ointment. Apply a moisturizing lotion, such as one with aloe vera. After the burned area has been cooled, apply a lo tion to provide relief and to keep the area from drying out. Loosely bandage the burn. Use sterile gauze .

How to get rid of a burn on your body?

If it’s an electrical burn, turn off the power source before touching them. Check to see if they’re breathing. If needed, start rescue breathing if you’ve been trained. Remove restrictive items from their body, such as belts and jewelry in or near the burned areas.

How to avoid a burn?

Avoid immersing the person or burned body parts in water. Hypothermia (severe loss of body heat) can occur if you immerse large, severe burns in water. Raise the burned area. If possible, elevate the burned area above their heart. Watch for shock.

What are the characteristics of a major burn?

larger than 3 inches in diameter or cover the face, hands, feet, buttocks, groin, or a major joint. have a charred appearance or patches of black, brown, or white.

How to treat a burn on the finger?

Apply an over-the-counter, topical burn ointment to your burn. Cover your hands/fingers with a non-sticky bandage. This will minimize the chance for infection. Change your bandages at least once a day. Take an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, to reduce discomfort.

How to stop burning sensation on finger?

Immediately run your burned finger (s) under cool (not cold) water. This will stop the actual burning sensation and will soothe the affected area. Fill a bowl with cool water and rest your hand in it for ongoing relief. Look for any skin damage. A mild burn is characterized by red skin and sometimes small blisters 1.

What to do if you have a burn on your arm?

Avoid wearing gloves or shirts that restrict blood flow or irritate the skin. Do not apply butter or an oil-based lotion or ointment to the burn; this will cause further irritation.

How to treat a muffler burn?

Look for any skin damage. A mild burn is characterized by red skin and sometimes small blisters 1. You can treat a mild burn at home. However, if you have a severe burn (large blistering, charred skin, peeling skin), seek medical attention immediately .

How to get rid of burns on your face?

Learn More. Take an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, to reduce discomfort. Drink plenty of water. One of the side effects of burns is dehydration, so make sure to keep yourself hydrated.

Is it painful to burn your fingers?

Fact Checked. A burn is always uncomfortable and often painful. This is especially true when the burn is on your hands or fingers, which are used frequently . For minor burns, taking these steps can soothe the pain and promote healing.

Can you use lotion on a burn?

Warnings. Avoid wearing gloves or shirts that restrict blood flow or irritate the skin. Do not apply butter or an oil-based lotion or ointment to the burn; this will cause further irritation.

How to stop a blister on your finger from burning?

This can minimize pain, decrease swelling, and prevent tissue damage. Avoid placing your finger under cold or warm water or in ice. This can make the burning and blistering worse. Cool water cleans the burn, reduces swelling and promotes quicker healing with less scarring.

How long does it take for a burn to heal on your finger?

Air-dry your finger. A burn develops for an additional 24-48 hours after contact. Things such as patting it with a towel can make your pain and discomfort worse. Allow your finger to air dry before dressing it with ointments and bandages.

How to prevent blisters from popping?

This can protect the blistered burn and prevent infection. Soak a dressing stuck to the burn or blister in clean, cool water or saline. Avoid friction and pressure. Bumping into and touching things as well as putting friction and pressure on your finger can make a blister pop.

How to heal a blister on the skin?

Apply ointment to unbroken skin. After 24-28 hours, put on a healing and protective ointment. Do this only if the blisters are still intact and the skin is unbroken. Spread a thin layer of any of the following over the top of the burned and blistered area: Antibiotic ointment.

How to treat a blister on your finger?

1. Wash the burned and blistered area. Use a mild soap and water to gently clean the affected finger. Rub the area gently, being careful to not break any blisters. This can minimize the risk of infection. Treat each finger with a blistering burn separately. ...

How to treat a blister on the back of your hand?

Cover with sterile gauze. Before applying any ointments, let the burn cool. Placing a loose, sterile bandage over your blister allows the area to cool and can protect it from bacteria. Change the gauze if you have any oozing or broken blisters. Keeping the area clean and dry can also prevent infection.

How to keep blisters from growing?

Leave these intact to prevent bacteria growth and infection. If the blisters break open, gently clean them with mild soap and water. Then apply and antibiotic ointment and nonstick gauze bandage.

What to Do Immediately After a Burn

If you or someone around you gets burned, these are some general steps you should take immediately:

First-Degree Burns

First-degree burns affect only the surface of the skin, causing redness, pain, and perhaps some swelling. They don't usually require medical care.

Third-Degree Burns

Third-degree burns, which reach the layers of fat and other structures under the skin, can be life-threatening. If someone has a severe burn with skin that looks charred or white, call 911 or seek medical care immediately. Be sure to take these steps in the meantime:

Chemical Burns

A chemical burn may be felt immediately or it may take time to develop, depending on the cause. If the burn is deep or bigger than 3 inches, call 911. If you have it, bring the container with the chemical with you to the ER.

Electrical Burns

Electrical burns can be worse than they look on the surface. If you have an electrical burn from lightning, electrical wires, or household objects, see a healthcare provider promptly. If you are assisting someone, do not touch them if they are still in contact with the source of the electrical shock or burn.

Home Remedies for Burns

First-degree or mild second-degree burns can be treated at home. If you are sure the burn is mild, you can take the following steps at home:

Healing Stages of Burns

The body reacts differently to burns than other types of wounds or injury. Except in minor burns, blisters form, and the risk of serious infection risk can be high. 5

How to get rid of a burn on your finger?

2. Put Your Finger Under Cool Running Water. Do it for at least five minutes. You can also soak it in cool water for a few minutes; however, do it only if your skin is not broken after the injury. Avoid using warm water, ice water, or cold water because these can aggravate the burn. 3.

How to deal with burn blisters on fingers?

You can use several home remedies for pain relief. Here is what you can do: 1. Get Rid of the Burning Agent. Be sure to pull your hand away from the heat source quickly.

How long does it take for a burn blister to go away?

Your body will absorb the fluid inside the blister, which may take a couple of weeks but it will happen on its own, unless you have developed an infection.

How to cover a blister on your finger?

Use Sterile Gauze to Cover the Burn. The idea is to protect your blister from the air. You should also use medical tape to keep the bandage in place. Ensure that the tape is not touching the burned area of blister. Never use cotton or any type of fluffy dressings. 7. Protect Your Finger from Pressure.

What is a second degree burn?

For this, you should consider the area of the burn. You have a second-degree burn if it has a 3-inch diameter or less. Anything larger than this is a third-degree burn that requires immediate medical attention.

Can you leave a blister alone?

Leave Your Blister Alone. Unless you are checking for the signs of infection, do not touch the blister. It is better to leave it alone after you have taken all the steps. Popping a blister is the last thing you want to do. It makes your blister worse and even damages the tissue underneath the blister.

Can you use aloe gel on a burn?

Be sure to wear a sterile glove before applying the cream. You can also use aloe gel to protect the burn – both cream and gel lower your chances of developing infection. If you develop a blister, ensure you do not break it open.

What to do for a burnt finger?

Honey helps relieve pain by soothing the burn and promotes better heal of the skin. Milk – The proteins and fats present in milk act as home remedies to soothe burnt finger and promote healing. The burnt finger can be soaked in milk for fast relief.

How to soothe a burnt finger?

Some of the most popular home remedies to soothe burnt finger include the following: Cool Water Or Compresses Cool water or compress works wonders when it comes to treating a minor burn. This is one of the most effective home remedies to soothe burnt finger. As first aid in case of minor burns, it is best to run fresh water over ...

How to get rid of burns on skin?

Vanilla should be gently dabbed on the burnt skin using a cotton swab. The burn would cool and, the pain would alleviate, as the alcohol in the vanilla extract evaporates. Tea Bag – The tannic acid in black tea helps soothe the burns to make them less painful.

How long does it take for a burn to heal?

Here we look at the most effective treatment and home remedies to soothe burnt finger. Mild or minor burns generally take about 1 to 2 weeks to heal completely. These burns usually do not cause scarring. Burn treatments aim to prevent infections, decrease pain and heal the skin quickly. Advertisement.

How to heal a burn scar?

A mix of coconut oil and few drops of lemon juice also works great to reduce the burn scar and promote better skin healing. Lavender Oil – Lavender essential oil can reduce pain and heal the burn quickly. 1 tsp of pure form of lavender essential oil can be poured into a misting bottle with water and shaken well.

What is the best oil for a burnt finger?

Coconut Oil – Loaded with vitamin E, coconut oil is a wonderful skin healer, which is popularly used as one of the home remedies to soothe burnt finger. The healing properties of this oil help prevent infection and promote healing.

What is the best treatment for burns?

Vinegar White vinegar is packed with acetic acid, a component of aspirin which can help relieve the itching, pain, and inflammation of a burn. Its antiseptic and astringent properties also help to keep the burn from getting infected. Vinegar draws heat from the burn and helps dull pain naturally.

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