How to Treat a Burned Thumb: Recovery and Color Restoration Tips

Burn injury from fire?

Hello Doctor: My father recently sustained a burn on the front edge of his thumb (approximately the front 10%) while trying to light something outdoors with a lighter.
The area is completely black, possibly due to the wind blowing the flame towards him.
I would like to know what steps to take next.
Additionally, is there a chance that the blackened area can return to its normal color? Thank you!

Emily, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/11/15

Dr. Wu Yuxin reply Dermatology

Lighter burns are generally not very severe, but without seeing the lesions, it's impossible to determine the severity.
If you are very concerned, please seek medical attention promptly.

Reply Date: 2020/11/15

More Info

When dealing with a burn, especially one caused by a flame, it's crucial to assess the severity of the injury first. In your father's case, since the burn has turned black, it may indicate a deeper injury, possibly a second-degree burn or worse. Here are some steps to take for treatment and recovery:
1. Immediate Care: If the burn is fresh, the first step is to cool the burn area. This can be done by running cool (not cold) water over the burn for about 10 to 20 minutes. This helps to reduce the temperature of the skin and minimize damage. Avoid using ice directly on the burn, as it can cause further tissue damage.

2. Clean the Area: After cooling the burn, gently clean the area with mild soap and water. Pat it dry with a clean towel. Avoid scrubbing the burn, as this can irritate the skin further.

3. Apply a Burn Ointment: If the burn is not severe (i.e., not affecting deeper layers of skin), you can apply an over-the-counter burn ointment, such as silver sulfadiazine, which helps prevent infection and promotes healing. However, if the burn is blackened, it may indicate that the skin has been severely damaged, and medical attention is necessary.

4. Cover the Burn: Use a sterile, non-stick bandage to cover the burn. This protects it from infection and keeps it clean. Change the dressing daily or whenever it becomes wet or dirty.

5. Monitor for Infection: Keep an eye on the burn for signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, pus, or a fever. If any of these symptoms occur, seek medical attention promptly.

6. Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage pain and inflammation.

7. Hydration and Nutrition: Encourage your father to stay hydrated and maintain a balanced diet to support the healing process.

Regarding the blackened area, it is essential to understand that the color change may be due to necrosis (death of tissue) or a scab forming over the burn. If the burn is deep, the blackened skin may not return to its normal color and could result in scarring or discoloration. However, if the burn is superficial and the underlying tissue is healthy, there is a chance that the skin may heal and return to a more normal appearance over time.

Once the burn has healed, you can consider using silicone gel sheets or creams designed for scar treatment to help minimize scarring. Additionally, protecting the area from sun exposure with sunscreen can prevent further discoloration.

In conclusion, while minor burns can often be treated at home, the presence of blackened skin suggests that your father should see a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation and appropriate treatment. The healthcare provider can determine the extent of the burn and recommend further care, including potential interventions to promote healing and minimize scarring.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Finger Burn Recovery: Managing Blisters and Inflammation

The inner side of the palm, near the proximal interphalangeal joint of the index finger, was burned by touching a hot iron pot. It has been 13 days since the burn occurred, and the area no longer hurts when pressed. The blister covering the burn appears to have some yellowish flu...

Dr. Wu Yuxin reply Dermatology
Without actually seeing the lesion, I cannot provide any advice. If it is very concerning, you should seek medical attention.

How to Treat a Finger Injury from a Knife Cut: Recovery Tips

I accidentally cut the upper left corner of my thumb with a kitchen knife while working, removing a small piece of flesh and a bit of nail. When it happened, there was quite a bit of bleeding, and I lost that small piece of flesh due to panic. Now, my thumb has a small indentatio...

Dr. Huang Junxiong reply Surgery
Hello: Generally speaking, if the severed end is still available, direct suturing can be considered. However, if it is lost, the decision will depend on the size of the skin defect. Typically, if the size is within 1.5 x 1.5 centimeters, it should be able to heal on its own witho...

Scar Revision and Skin Grafting for Burn Injuries on Hands

Hello Doctor, I sustained a second-degree burn on the joints of my fingers on the back of my hand at the end of February this year, and I underwent debridement surgery without skin grafting. However, as of December, the scar is still quite thick. I would like to ask if re-excisin...

Dr. Zhou Hongzhang reply Plastic Surgery
1. Burns on the dorsal side of the fingers are prone to developing severe scarring issues. 2. If, after an injury, there is limited range of motion (ROM) in the fingers even after aggressive rehabilitation for one year, skin grafting surgery may be considered for treatment. At th...

Burn Treatment: Understanding Healing and When to See a Doctor

Hello, doctor. A few days ago, I burned my arm with hot water, about the size of a 10 NT dollar coin. I applied a thick layer of salt on it, but I’m not sure if that was the right thing to do. After that, it stopped hurting. A few days later, the area on my arm turned dark and fe...

Dr. Huang Ruiyun reply Dermatology
If there is scabbing and peeling that is not visible, it is difficult to provide an answer. For burns, it is important to immediately cool the affected area with cold water for at least 15 minutes, or ideally 30 minutes. As long as it is not a deep second-degree or third-degree b...