Treatment FAQ

what first aid treatment is good for a slightly burned fingertip

by Retta Maggio Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago

  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.
  2. 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.
  3. Cover with sterile gauze. Before applying any ointments, let the burn cool. ...
  4. 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.
  5. Stay away from home remedies. An old wives’ tale suggests using butter on burns. However, butter retains heat and can cause infection.

How to treat a first-degree, minor burn
  • Cool the burn. Immediately immerse the burn in cool tap water or apply cold, wet compresses. ...
  • Apply petroleum jelly two to three times daily. ...
  • Cover the burn with a nonstick, sterile bandage. ...
  • Consider taking over-the-counter pain medication. ...
  • Protect the area from the sun.

Full Answer

What should I do about a burn on my finger?

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.

What is the first concern when giving first aid?

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.

How do you perform first aid on a burn victim?

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.

More items...

What is first aid given for minor and major burns?

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.

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 determines the treatment for burns?

The severity of the burn will determine the necessary treatment.

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.

What is the best pain reliever for a swollen ear?

If needed, take an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others), naproxen sodium (Aleve) or acetaminophen (Tylenol, others).

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 a blister breaks?

Fluid-filled blisters protect against infection. If a blister breaks, clean the area with water (mild soap is optional). Apply an antibiotic ointment. But if a rash appears, stop using the ointment.

How to get rid of burns on the back of your head?

Cool the burn. Hold the burned area under cool (not cold) running water or apply a cool, wet compress until the pain eases.

Can you immerse a burn in water?

Don't immerse large severe burns in water. Doing so could cause a serious loss of body heat (hypothermia).

How to get rid of a burn on your finger?

Plunge your finger into cool water. After removing your finger from what burned you, place it under cool, running water. Hold it in the water for 10-15 minutes. [1]

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 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.

What does it mean when your finger is red and blistering?

Blisters and red skin indicate a second-degree burn. This can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly treated. You can treat a blistering burn on your finger by administering prompt first aid, cleaning and caring for the wound, and promoting recovery. Steps.

Why does my finger pop?

Bumping into and touching things as well as putting friction and pressure on your finger can make a blister pop. This can disrupt the healing process and lead to infection. Use your other hand or fingers and avoid wearing anything tight against the area. Consider a tetanus shot.

How to protect a burn from infection?

Change dressings daily. Keep your bandages as clean and dry. Change them at least once every day. If you notice any oozing or wetness, put on a new bandage. This can protect the blistered burn and prevent infection.

What to do if your finger is severed?

If finger or part of finger is severed, put the severed part in a clean plastic bag, pack the bag in ice, and take it with you to the doctor.

How to treat a finger injury?

Treating Finger Injuries at Home 1 Apply firm pressure until bleeding stops. 2 If finger or part of finger is severed, put the severed part in a clean plastic bag, pack the bag in ice, and take it with you to the doctor.

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 .

What is the best pain reliever for a swollen ear?

Take an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, to reduce discomfort.

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 treat finger infection?

The mainstay of treatment for finger infections is antibiotics and proper wound care. The proper wound care varies for each of the different infections. This can range from a simple incision and drainage of the wound to an extensive surgical exploration of the wound to remove as much infected material as possible.

What is used to flush out a wound?

Sometimes a piece of rubber tubing or gauze will be placed into the wound to aid the initial drainage. The wound may also be flushed out with a sterile solution to remove as much debris as possible. These infections will require antibiotics. The wound will then require specific home care as prescribed by your doctor.

Why do you need to drain a felon's finger?

(See paronychia) Felon: Often incision and drainage is required because the infection develops within the multiple compartments of the fingertip pad.

How to treat paronychia?

This may be done in several different ways. Commonly a scalpel is used to make a simple incision over the collection of pus to allow drainage. Or the scalpel may be inserted along the edge of the nail to allow drainage. If the infection is large, a part of the nail may be removed. If this procedure is required, the doctor will inject a local anesthetic at the base of the finger that will provide for a pain-free procedure. Most often, you will be placed on an oral antibiotic. You will then be instructed how to take care of the wound at home. (See paronychia)

How long does it take for paronychia to heal?

However, if no improvement is noticed in one to two days, you should see your doctor at once.

Can you treat an infection as an outpatient?

Some of the infections can be treated as an outpatient, but several will require inpatient treatment and intravenous antibiotics. Because the organisms that cause these infections are similar, many of the same types of antibiotics may be used.

Can scalpel be inserted in finger?

Or the scalpel may be inserted along the edge of the nail to allow drainage. If the infection is large, a part of the nail may be removed. If this procedure is required, the doctor will inject a local anesthetic at the base of the finger that will provide for a pain-free procedure.

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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