Treating Burns on Fingers

Burns can be caused due to a various reasons like fire, hot liquid, chemicals, electricity or touching heated objects. They can be categorized into first, second and third degree burns. First degree burns affect only the outer layer of the skin; whereas, second degree burns affect the outer as well as the underlying layer of the skin. In case of third degree, the burns reach the deeper tissues and result in charring of the skin. Third degree burns can be dangerous and life-threatening. Burns on fingers are not dangerous, but, they can result into serious complications. Therefore, it is necessary to treat them as early as possible.

How to Treat Burns on Fingers

Burns on hands and fingers are usually caused if you accidentally touch any hot object or boiling water. Before any rescuer begins treating burns, he should follow safety precautions not to get burnt himself.

• The first thing to remember is that you should stop the burning process by holding the fingers under cool (not cold) water. You can put the burnt fingers under running tap water or soak them in water in order to reduce the heat. Treating burns with ice should be completely avoided.
• After flushing or soaking burnt fingers in water, separate them and cover them with clean and sterile bandages or dressing.
• Reassure and calm the person. You can even give painkillers to relieve pain and swelling. It is not recommended to give these medications to children.
• Once the skin has been cooled completely, you can apply moisturizer or other burn ointment.
• Treating burns with honey is an effective home remedy. You can apply honey to the burn after the skin has cooled down.
• For treating burns from hot water, you can follow the same process, but, need to keep the burnt area elevated to reduce swelling.

The method of treating burns in children and adults is similar. Burns are found to be a result of abuse in large number of children. Therefore, if the pattern of burn does not fit to the situation or incidence, there can be a possibility of child abuse which needs to be explored.

Precautions

• Do not make use of ice, butter, oil, etc., for treating burns. It is also not recommended to blow on the burn.
• While treating burns, blisters should not be broken as they can cause infection. When treating burns due to boiling water, you need to cover the burn with gauze and change it regularly.
• If you find the skin completely blistered or charred (blackened), you should look for emergency medical help as this can be a second or third degree burn.
• First degree burns heal naturally without any further treatment. If the burn spreads on more than 2 - 3 inches in area, one should take emergency help or consult the doctor immediately.
• Similarly, symptoms like swelling, pain or infection should be immediately reported to the doctor.

Prevention of Burns

• Remember to follow all safety rules when you are making use of any electrical equipment, oven or heaters.
• Children should be kept away from heaters, stoves, fireworks, electrical cords, etc.
• Temperature of the water heater should be set at degrees 120 degrees or less.

Treating burns on fingers immediately is necessary in order to minimize the damage and pain. One should remember that prevention of burns is very important, and hence, you should be careful while handling any sources that can cause burns. As we all know, prevention is always better than cure. If you are unaware about the cause of burn, it is recommended to consult the doctor immediately for proper treatment.