Your skin acts as a protective layer to keep out infections, foreign objects, and diseases. Unlike the tissue within it, the skin itself can tolerate higher temperatures more efficiently. However, any exposure to extreme temperatures can damage the outer layer of your skin as well as the tissue underneath it. The nature of the contact usually determines how severe the burn is. You may develop blisters when hot fluids come into contact with your skin. It is quite common to get burn blisters on finger while doing your common household chores. It can be a painful situation, but you can take certain steps to alleviate pain.

How to Deal with Burn Blister on Finger

A burn blister can cause severe pain. 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. In case any burning agent is on your skin, like in the form of chemical or hot liquid, make sure to remove it as quickly as possible.

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. Let Your Finger Dry on Its Own

Take a clean towel and dampen it with cool water. Wrap it around the burn blister on finger to help get heat out of the burn. This will greatly reduce pain and swelling.

4. Determine How Severe the Burn Is

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.

5. Apply Silver Sulfadiazine Cream

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.

6. 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

Ensure that you do not put any pressure on the burn blister on finger or else it will hamper the healing process. Moreover, it can also pop the blister, which increases your risk of developing an infection. Also, do not let your burnt hand touch with any hard surface.

8. Keep Your Dressing Clean

You should change the dressing if it looks dirty or is wet. This is to ensure that no microorganisms grow on it and cause infections. Simply soak the affected finger in clean water in case the dressing has stuck to the blister. Do not try to remove it suddenly to prevent further injury.

9. Keep Checking for Signs of Infection

Even when you take all the precautions, you can still develop an infection. It is therefore important to keep checking the affected area for possible signs of infection. The most common indicators are increased pain, redness, fever, and pus. Talk to your doctor immediately and follow their advice to prevent further complications.

 10. 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. Understand that a burn blister on finger is actually a natural infection barrier – do not try to break it. 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. Be sure to protect your blister if you have popped it accidently. Keep looking for any warning signs and take antibiotics if your doctor has prescribed any.

11. Take Your Medications As Instructed

You do not need medical attention for minor burns. They usually heal without any treatment and any pain responds well to OTC pain relievers like Tylenol, Paracetamol, Ibuprofen, Panadol, and Aspirin. These pain relievers inhibit the production of the substance responsible for sending pain signals to your brain. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics if you have developed an infection. Take them as prescribed.

12. Get a Tetanus Shot

You may also consider getting a tetanus shot, especially in case your tetanus immunization is not up to date. Your doctor may recommend it to prevent infection. It is a good thing to do because tetanus bacteria can easily enter your body through open wounds, especially if your blister is broken. If you develop this bacterial infection, you may experience muscle spasms, stiffness, and other complications.