How to Treat a Blistering Burn on Your Finger

Co-authored by Mohiba Tareen, MD

Last Updated: June 23, 2024 Approved

Ouch! Did you touch something that burned and blistered your finger? 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.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Administering Prompt First Aid

Download Article

1
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]
X
Trustworthy Source

Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals

Go to source} You can also wrap it in a towel soaked with cool tap water for the same amount of time, or submerge the body part in a container of water if you don't have access to a running tap.^{[2]
X
Expert Source

Mohiba Tareen, MD
FAAD Board Certified Dermatologist

Expert Interview. 26 March 2020.} This can minimize pain, decrease swelling, and prevent tissue damage.^{[3]
X
Research source}
- Avoid placing your finger under cold or warm water or in ice. This can make the burning and blistering worse.^{[4]
  X
  Research source}
- Cool water cleans the burn, reduces swelling and promotes quicker healing with less scarring
Cold can help reduce swelling. While you are cooling off your finger with water or a damp towel, take off rings or other tight items around your fingers. Do this as quickly and gently as possible before the area swells. This may minimize the discomfort of removing them when dry. It also allows you to better treat the burned and blistered finger.^{[5]
X
Trustworthy Source

Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals

Go to source}

Advertisement
3
Avoid breaking blisters. You may immediately notice small blisters that are no bigger than a fingernail. 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.^{[6]
X
Trustworthy Source

Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals

Go to source}
- Get prompt medical attention if the blister is large. Your doctor may need to break it to minimize the risk of it breaking on its own or developing an infection.
4
Seek emergency medical attention. In some cases, burns with blisters may require immediate medical attention. If you have any of the following symptoms, go to your nearest emergency room or urgi-care center:^{[7]
X
Research source}
- Bad blistering
- Intense or no pain
- Burn covers your entire finger or fingers

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Cleaning and Dressing Your Burn

Download Article

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.^{[8]
X
Research source}
- Treat each finger with a blistering burn separately.
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. This can draw heat from the burn, reduce the chances of bursting a blister, and minimize your pain.^{[9]
X
Research source}
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.
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.^{[10]
X
Research source} Spread a thin layer of any of the following over the top of the burned and blistered area:^{[11]
X
Research source}
- Antibiotic ointment
- Unscented, alcohol-free moisturizers
- Honey
- Silver sulfadiazine cream
- Aloe gel or cream^{[12]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Mohiba Tareen, MD
  FAAD Board Certified Dermatologist
  
  Expert Interview. 26 March 2020.}
5
Stay away from home remedies. An old wives’ tale suggests using butter on burns. However, butter retains heat and can cause infection. To prevent the burn retaining heat and protect the area from infection, avoid covering your burn with household treatments such as butter and substances like:^{[13]
X
Research source}
- Toothpaste
- Oil
- Cow dung
- Beeswax
- Bear fat
- Eggs
- Lard

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Recovering from Blisters and Burns

Download Article

Blistering burns can be very painful and swollen. Taking aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen sodium or acetaminophen may reduce your discomfort from pain and swelling.^{[14]
X
Expert Source

Mohiba Tareen, MD
FAAD Board Certified Dermatologist

Expert Interview. 26 March 2020.} Follow contraindications and dosing instructions from your doctor or the product labelling.^{[15]
X
Research source}
2
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.^{[16]
X
Research source}
- Soak a dressing stuck to the burn or blister in clean, cool water or saline.^{[17]
  X
  Research source}
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.^{[18]
X
Research source}
Blistering burns can become infected, including with tetanus. If you haven’t had a booster tetanus shot in 10 years, ask your doctor to give you one. This may prevent you from developing tetanus because of the burn.^{[19]
X
Trustworthy Source

Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals

Go to source}
5
Watch for signs of infection. Your burn may take some time to heal. In some cases, you could develop an infection, as burns can easily become infected. This could lead to bigger problems such as losing mobility in your finger. Seek immediate medical attention if you have any of the following signs of infection in your wound:^{[20]
X
Trustworthy Source

Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals

Go to source}
- Oozing pus
- Increased pain, redness and/or swelling
- Fever^{[21]
  X
  Research source}

Expert Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question

Should you put anything on a blistered burn?

Mohiba Tareen, MD
FAAD Board Certified Dermatologist
Mohiba Tareen is a board certified Dermatologist and the founder of Tareen Dermatology located in Roseville, Maplewood and Faribault, Minnesota. Dr. Tareen completed medical school at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, where she was inducted into the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha honor society. While a dermatology resident at Columbia University in New York City, she won the Conrad Stritzler award of the New York Dermatologic Society and was published in The New England Journal of Medicine. Dr. Tareen then completed a procedural fellowship which focused on dermatologic surgery, laser, and cosmetic dermatology.

Mohiba Tareen, MD

FAAD Board Certified Dermatologist

Expert Answer

You can apply pure aloe gel on the blister if you still feel a warm, burning sensation.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 2 Helpful 8
Question

Will baking soda or corn starch alleviate a burn?

Marsha Durkin, RN
Registered Nurse
Marsha Durkin is a Registered Nurse based in Waukegan, Illinois. With over 15 years of professional experience, she works both as a nurse and a Laboratory Information Specialist for Insight Hospital and Medical Center. Marsha received her Associate's Degree in Nursing from Olney Central College in 1987.

Marsha Durkin, RN

Registered Nurse

Expert Answer

Do not put baking soda, corn starch or any other household cooking ingredient on a burn. Instead, use cool water and antibiotic cream.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 6 Helpful 22