For a small finger burn, cool it under cool running water for 10–20 minutes, remove any rings or tight jewelry, and cover it loosely with a clean, dry bandage or cloth. Avoid ice, butter, or greasy creams, and take an over- the-counter pain reliever if needed.

What to do now

  1. Put the finger under cool running water as soon as possible.
  1. Take off rings or anything tight before swelling starts.
  1. Cover the burn loosely with sterile gauze or a clean cloth.
  1. Use acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain if you normally can take them.

What not to do

  • Do not use ice or iced water, since that can worsen the injury.
  • Do not pop blisters.
  • Do not put butter, oils, or heavy ointments on the burn right away.

Get medical help if

  • The burn is large, deep, white, charred, or very painful.
  • It blisters badly, crosses a joint, or limits finger movement.
  • You see signs of infection such as spreading redness, pus, fever, or worsening pain.
  • It was caused by chemicals or electricity.

If you want a simple rule: cool it, cover it, don’t ice it.