Hand Burns 101: How to Treat and Heal Quickly

If you’ve ever burned your hand cooking, you’re not alone. About 25% of burns registered in the Global Burn Registry are cooking-related. Beyond cooking, hand burns can occur from handling hot objects, traumatic accidents, or even chemical exposure. 

The bottom line is that hand burns are common injuries, but knowing how to treat a burn properly can prevent complications and speed up the healing process. 

Here, our board-certified hand and wrist surgeons at Sequoia Institute for Surgical Services share the top tips for taking care of your burn.

Assess the extent of your injury

Before you begin to treat a burn at home, you should assess the burn’s degree of severity:

• First-degree burns that only affect the other layer of skin, causing redness and mild pain
• Second-degree burns that damage deeper layers of the skin, resulting in blisters, swelling, and more intense pain
• Third-degree burns that destroy all layers of the skin and may damage underlying tissues, requiring immediate medical attention

At-home treatment can help with first- and some second-degree burns, but a medical team should evaluate more severe (second- or third-degree) burns. If your burn is accompanied by other injuries (e.g., a laceration or a crush), call 9-1-1 or head to the nearest emergency room.

First aid steps for burns

Once you’ve determined whether you’re heading to the ER, follow basic burn first aid steps.

Cool the burn

The first step in treating a burn is to cool the affected area. Hold your hand under cool (not cold) running water for 10-15 minutes to reduce pain and prevent further damage to the skin. 

You might be tempted to apply an ice pack, but avoid using ice because it can cause further tissue damage.

Clean and protect the burn

Clean the area with mild soap and cool water to remove dirt and bacteria. Gently pat it dry with a clean towel — don’t rub it! 

Once the area is thoroughly dry, apply a topical antibiotic ointment to prevent infection and cover the burn with a non-stick, sterile bandage or clean gauze.

Manage pain and inflammation

Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help reduce pain and inflammation. Elevate the burned hand above your heart to help minimize swelling.

Don’t pop the blisters!

If blisters form, resist the urge to pop them on your own. Popping blisters in a non-sterile way can increase your risk of infection. Blisters protect the skin underneath as it heals. The fluid in a blister is rich in protein, immunoglobulins, and interleukins — all of which play a role in the wound-healing process.

If a blister breaks on its own, gently clean the area and apply an antibiotic ointment before covering it with a fresh bandage.

How to help the burn heal quicker

Once you’ve administered basic first aid care for burns, you might wonder how to make the burn heal quicker. These tips can help promote healing:

• Keep the burn moist (this helps promote healing and prevent scarring)
• Apply aloe vera gel or a burn-specific cream to soothe your skin
• Change the bandage daily or whenever it gets wet or dirty

Continue to eat nourishing foods. Your body uses a lot of energy to heal from burns — your metabolic rate can double while healing — so be sure to eat lean proteins, healthy carbohydrates, and healthy fats. 

When to seek medical care

The American Burn Association recommends professional care for burns on major joints, the face, the feet, and the hands.

You should also seek medical attention if the burn is large, deep, or covers a joint; if it was caused by a chemical or electricity; or if you experience signs of infection (increased pain, swelling, pus, or fever).

How orthopedic hand surgeons can help you on your road to recovery

In cases of severe hand burns, especially second- or third-degree burns that affect mobility or cause extensive tissue damage, an orthopedic hand surgeon here at Sequoia Institute for Surgical Services can help treat your hand burns.

Dr. Jonathan Liu, Dr. Huey Yuan Tien,  and our family nurse practitioners are trained to treat complex hand injuries, including burns that may require surgical intervention. They can help restore function through skin grafts, reconstructive surgery, or specialized therapies designed to improve flexibility and reduce scarring. 

Timely care and the right intervention can prevent long-term complications and ensure that your hand heals properly so you can maintain as much mobility and strength as possible.

To learn more or to schedule your appointment, call the location of your choice or click here to request an appointment.