How to Treat Burns on the Hand

Identify first-degree burns. First-degree burns affect only the outermost layer of the skin, the epidermis. First-degree burns are slightly swollen, red, and also painful. When pressed to the skin, the burn may turn white for a few seconds after the pressure is released. If the burn is not blistered or torn, but only red on the outside, it is a first-degree burn. ^[10]

• If a minor burn covers the hands and face or the airways, most of the hands, feet, groin, buttocks, or major joints, you should see a doctor.
• Sun exposure is the most common cause of first-degree burns, unless blisters are present. ^[11]

Treat first-degree burns. If you’ve identified a first-degree burn based on look and feel, you should rush to the sink. Place your hand or arm under cool running water for 15-20 minutes. This will help draw heat away from the skin and reduce inflammation. ^[12]

• You can also place a bowl of cold water on the burned skin for a few minutes. This can also help draw heat away from the skin, reduce inflammation and prevent scarring.
• Do not use ice because it can lead to frostbite of the burned skin if left on the skin for too long. In addition, placing ice on the skin around the burn can also cause damage to that skin. ^{[13] [14]}
• You should also not apply butter or blow on the burn. Such movements will not help and may increase the risk of infection. ^[15]

Remove jewelry. The burn can become so swollen that jewelry worn on the burned skin will stick to the skin, preventing blood circulation or going deep into the skin. You need to remove all jewelry on the burned hand such as rings or bracelets. ^[16]

Apply aloe vera or burn ointment. If you have an aloe plant, break off one of the low-growing branches near the middle of the stem. Cut off the thorns and split the leaves along the branches, then apply the gel of the plant directly to the burn. It will provide instant cooling. This is an effective way to treat first-degree burns.

• If you don’t have an aloe plant, you can use a 100% store-bought aloe product.
• Do not apply aloe vera to open wounds.

Take pain relievers if necessary. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylep), naproxen (Aleve), or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) are all considered safe for short-term use. ^[17]

Monitor burns. Burns may worsen after a few hours. After washing and treating the burn, you should monitor the burn to make sure it doesn’t become a second-degree burn. If that happens, you should seek medical attention. ^[18]

Identify second degree burns. Second-degree burns are more serious than first-degree burns because they have passed through the epidermis and into the lower layer of skin (the dermis). ^[19] However, that doesn’t mean you necessarily need medical help. The burn will be deep red and have blisters on the skin. They are more swollen and darker than first-degree burns, and the skin is redder and may look wet and shiny. The burned skin may also look pale or discolored. ^[20]

• If the area of the burn is larger than 7.5 cm, you should treat it like a third degree burn and seek medical help right away. ^[21]
• Common causes of second-degree burns are boiling water burns, fire burns, contact with very hot objects, severe sunburn, chemical burns, and electrical burns. ^[22]

Remove jewelry. The burn can become so swollen that jewelry worn on the burned skin will stick to the skin, preventing blood circulation or going deep into the skin. You need to remove all jewelry on the burned hand such as rings or bracelets. ^[23]

Wash the burn. The treatment of second-degree burns is almost the same as that of first-degree burns. When you get burned, you should get to the sink quickly. Place your hand or arm under cool running water for 15-20 minutes. This will help draw heat away from the skin and reduce inflammation. If there is a blister, do not squeeze it. Those scars help the skin to heal. Breaking a blister can cause the wound to become infected and prolong healing. ^{[24] [25]}

• You should also not apply butter or blow on the burn. It doesn’t help and can increase the risk of infection. ^[26]

Apply antibiotic cream. Because second-degree burns burn deeper, to the underlying skin, there is also a higher risk of infection. ^[27] Apply an antibiotic cream to the burned area before bandaging it.

• Silver sulfadiazine (Silvaden) is a common burn ointment. You can buy it easily without a prescription. ^[28] Apply a lot of cream to help it absorb into the skin for a long time. ^[29]

Wash the broken blister. If the blister happens to burst, don’t panic. Wash the wound with mild soap and clean water. Apply antibiotic ointment and use a clean bandage to cover the wound.

Change the dressing daily. Burn dressings must be changed daily to prevent infection. Remove the old tape and discard. Wash the burn with cool water, do not use soap. Do not rub on skin. Let the water run over the burn for a few minutes. Take a towel to dry. Apply burn cream, antibiotic ointment, or aloe to help heal the wound. Cover with a sterile bandage.

• Once the wound has healed or is mostly healed, you don’t need a bandage anymore.

Make honey ointment at home. The burning effects of honey have been proven by many studies, although doctors consider it only as an alternative therapy. Take a teaspoon of honey and apply it on the burn. Lightly pat the wound. Honey is a natural antibiotic and prevents bacteria from entering the wound without damaging the healthy outer layer of skin. Honey’s low pH and high permeability are beneficial for the healing process. Medicinal honey is recommended instead of food honey. ^[30]

• Studies suggest that honey may be a better alternative to commonly prescribed silver sulfadiazine ointment. ^[31]
• The dressing should be changed daily. If the wound oozes a lot, the dressing will need to be changed more often.
• If the burn cannot be bandaged, you should reapply honey every 6 hours. This also helps cool the wound. ^{[32] [33]}

Monitor burns. Burns may worsen after a few hours. After washing and treating the burn, you should monitor the burn to make sure it doesn’t become a third-degree burn. If that happens, you need to get medical attention right away. ^[34]

• While you wait for the wound to heal, check for signs and symptoms of infection such as a burn oozing pus-like fluid, fever, swelling, or increased redness in the skin. If you have these signs, seek medical attention.

Identify severe burns. A burn is considered serious if it covers the joints or covers a large part of the body. Burns are also considered serious if the victim has complications with life-threatening signs or difficulties in daily activities. These cases require treatment like third-degree burns and require immediate medical attention. ^[35]

Identify third degree burns. If your burn is bleeding or black, you probably have a third-degree burn. Third degree burns burn through all layers of the skin: the epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous fat. These burns are white, brown, yellow, or black. The skin may look dry or wrinkled. These burns may not be as painful as first- and second-degree burns because nerves are also damaged or destroyed. ^[36] These burns require immediate medical attention. Call emergency services or go to the emergency room right away.

• Third-degree burns can become infected and your skin may not return to normal.
• If clothing sticks to the burn, do not pull it out, but call for help immediately.

React to the situation. If you or someone near you has a third-degree burn, you should call 911 immediately (if in the US, call 911). While waiting for the ambulance to arrive, you check the burn person’s reaction by gently shaking the victim. If they are unresponsive, look for signs of movement or breathing. If they are not breathing, start CPR if trained. ^[37]

• If you don’t know how to do CPR, ask the person on the emergency line for instructions. ^[38] Do not attempt to clear airway or make victim breathe if you do not know how to do CPR. Instead, focus on chest presses. ^[39]
• Place the victim in a supine position. Kneel next to the victim’s shoulder. Place your hands on the center of the victim’s chest and move the shoulders so that they are perpendicular to the hands, arms and elbows straight. Press straight down on the victim’s chest about 100 times per minute. ^[40]

Caring for people with burns. While waiting for the ambulance to arrive, remove all clothing and jewelry that is close to the victim’s body. Do not do this if clothing and jewelry are firmly attached to the burn. Leave it as it is and wait for help because removing them can pull the entire layer of skin and cause more damage. You should also keep yourself (or the victim) warm as such severe burns can shock you. ^[41]

• Do not immerse the burn in water in the same way as a minor burn. This can lead to hypothermia. If possible, raise the burned part above your heart to help reduce swelling.
• Do not give the victim any pain medication. You should not give the victim anything that could interfere with emergency treatment.
• Do not burst blisters, scrape dead skin, or apply aloe vera or ointment to the wound. ^[42]

Bandage the burn. If possible, you should bandage the burn to prevent infection. You need to use something that won’t stick to the wound like a light gauze or a damp bandage. If you find that the bandage may stick to the wound because it is too heavy, you need to wait for emergency care. ^[43]

• You can use plastic wrap. If used for a very short time, plastic wrap is very effective for covering the wound. It helps protect the wound, and at the same time limits the ability of external microorganisms to enter the burn.