What should I do if I have an esophageal burn?

Written by Wang Ji Zhong
Internal Medicine
Updated on September 20, 2024
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Esophageal burns are a common and frequently occurring condition caused by consuming food or for other reasons where the temperature is too high, which damages the mucous membrane of the esophagus. At that time, one should immediately stop eating to reduce harm to the body. For mild cases, one can orally take egg whites or milk to protect the injured esophageal mucosa. Severe cases need to go to the hospital for medical treatment, take gastric mucosal protectants to prevent the formation of esophageal mucosal scars, prevent esophageal stricture, and at the same time, receive intravenous fluids, enhance nutritional support, supplement necessary vitamins, and can also use some drugs that promote the recovery of the esophageal mucosa, minimizing the damage of esophageal burns to the body.

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Written by Li Xiao Lin
Emergency Department
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How long should a cold compress be applied after a burn?

After a burn, cold compresses are generally applied until the pain is relieved, which helps to decrease local temperature and reduce further progression of the burn. Then, thoroughly disinfect with iodine to reduce the risk of infection. If necessary, burn ointment can be used to promote healing of the burn, providing astringent and anti-inflammatory effects, beneficial for burn recovery. Sterile gauze can also be used to cover the wound to reduce contact infections. Normally, attention should be paid to diet, avoiding spicy, stimulating foods and seafood that may cause inflammation. It is advisable to drink more water and consume more fresh vegetables and fruits. If the pain is significant, oral pain relievers can be taken to alleviate symptoms, and antibiotics may be taken if necessary to prevent infection.

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Written by Wang Xiang Li
Emergency Medicine
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Will a burn leave a scar?

Whether burns leave scars depends on the severity of the burn and whether emergency measures were taken after the burn. Clinically, burns can be divided into three degrees. A first-degree burn, which is mild, generally shows symptoms such as stinging pain, mild swelling, and erythema. With timely soaking in cold water, rinsing, and application of burn medicine, scars are not left. For deeper second-degree and third-degree burns that involve the dermis, there is a possibility of scarring. At this point, the skin at the affected area may show necrosis, and local healing may be delayed. Therefore, actively treating the burn immediately after it occurs, preventing infection, and quicker wound healing can reduce the likelihood of scarring.

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Written by Li Xiao Lin
Emergency Department
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Should the burned skin on the finger be cut off?

Whether to cut off the skin after a finger burn depends on the specific circumstances and cannot be generalized. It depends on the cause of the finger burn. If the burn is caused by relatively clean boiling water, the skin does not need to be cut off after disinfection. The skin acts as a protective layer, similar to a dressing, which can reduce contact with foreign objects and minimize damage to the burn from external particles or foreign objects, therefore providing certain protection. However, if the burn is caused by contaminated substances, such as lime, and the finger is contaminated, the previously burned skin should be cut off. After cleaning, it is considered a foreign object that could potentially worsen an infection.

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Written by Li Xiao Lin
Emergency Department
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What should I do if my finger is numb from a burn?

Numbness in a finger after a burn suggests a severe injury, likely affecting below the dermis and damaging nerves, leading to abnormal sensations and numbness. After a finger is burned, it should be immediately rinsed with cold or running water for at least thirty minutes to cool the burn down. Then, proceed to a hospital for proper care, such as disinfection, wrapping with gauze for protection, and possibly applying burn ointment to promote recovery. Follow the doctor's instructions for daily dressing changes, and take antibiotics as prescribed to prevent and treat infections.

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Written by Wang Xiang Li
Emergency Medicine
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What fruit is good to eat for burns?

After a burn, one should consume more high-calorie, high-protein foods that are easy to digest. It is also appropriate to eat more foods that are high in vitamin C content. This is because vitamin C can promote wound healing and prevent infection. Foods rich in vitamin C include kiwi, citrus, oranges, dates, grapes, etc. Besides vitamin C, zinc also promotes wound healing, reduces scarring, and prevents infection. Foods rich in zinc include kelp, sesame, pork liver, oysters, shrimp shells, seaweed, legumes, etc. Avoid spicy and stimulating foods, and refrain from smoking, alcohol, strong tea, and coffee, especially peppers, onions, and pepper powder. This can effectively prevent wound infection and promote wound healing, killing two birds with one stone.