- Cool the burn. Hold the burned area under cool (not cold) running water or apply a cool, wet compress until the pain eases. …
- Remove rings or other tight items. …
- Don’t break blisters. …
- Apply lotion. …
- Bandage the burn. …
- Take a pain reliever. …
- Consider a tetanus shot.
When should I go to the doctor for a burn on my hand?
In general, if the burn covers more skin than the size of the palm of your hand it needs medical attention. Signs
of infection
. If the pain increases, there is redness or swelling, or liquid or a foul odor is coming from the wound then the burn is likely infected. Worsening over time.
What do you do for a severely burned hand?
- 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).
What is the first aid treatment for a burn on the hand?
Cool the burn with cool or lukewarm running water for 20 minutes
as soon as possible after the injury. Never use ice, iced water, or any creams or greasy substances like butter. Keep yourself or the person warm. Use a blanket or layers of clothing, but avoid putting them on the injured area.
Why is a burn on the hand Serious?
When to Seek Treatment
Because they expose the body to bacteria,
burns can result in serious infections
. Seek medical attention if you notice increasing redness, increasing pain, fever, swelling or oozing.
Is Vaseline good for burns?
You may
put a thin layer of ointment
, such as petroleum jelly or aloe vera, on the burn. The ointment does not need to have antibiotics in it. Some antibiotic ointments can cause an allergic reaction. Do not use cream, lotion, oil, cortisone, butter, or egg white.
Can I put ice on a 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.
How do you know if a burn needs medical attention?
In general, the major issues when treating burns are pain control, preventing infection, and achieving a good cosmetic outcome. If there are signs of skin infection, such as increasing redness, pain, pus-like discharge, or
temperature greater than 100.4oF or 38oC
, you should seek medical attention right away.
Do burns get worse before they get better?
A superficial second-degree burn usually heals within 2 to 3 weeks with some scarring. A deep second-degree burn can take longer to heal. A second-degree burn can also
get worse after a few days
and become a third-degree burn.
What does a infected burn look like?
Tell-Tale Signs of Infected Burn
Any change in color of the burnt area or the skin surrounding it
.
Swelling with purplish discoloration
.
Increased thickness of the burn with
it extending deep into the skin. Green discharge or pus.
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.
Why should you not use ice on a burn?
Severe burns shouldn’t be treated with ice or ice water
because this can further damage the tissue
. The best thing to do is cover the burn with a clean towel or sheet and head to the emergency room as quickly as possible for medical evaluation. Don’t treat an open burn with water.
How can you tell what degree a burn is?
- First-degree burns affect only the outer layer of the skin. They cause pain, redness, and swelling.
- Second-degree burns affect both the outer and underlying layer of skin. They cause pain, redness, swelling, and blistering. …
- Third-degree burns affect the deep layers of skin.
How long do hand burns take to heal?
How long do burns take to heal? The recovery and healing time of burns is dependent upon the severity of the individual burn. A first-degree burn may take a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the size and the position of the bone, while second degree, or partial thickness burns, can
take three to four weeks
.
Should a burn be kept moist or dry?
Treatment for small burns
For first-degree or second-degree burns smaller than about two inches in diameter, Bernal recommends the following home-treatment steps: Wash the area daily with mild soap.
Apply an antibiotic ointment or dressing to keep the wound moist
. Cover with gauze or a Band-Aid to keep the area sealed.
What does it mean when your hand burns?
Peripheral neuropathy
. Warmth or a burning sensation in your hands can also be a symptom of peripheral neuropathy. This condition involves nerve dysfunction due to nerve damage from an underlying condition.
