Can I drink alcohol if my finger is scalded?

Written by Li Xiao Lin
Emergency Department
Updated on December 07, 2024
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Burns on the fingers are not directly related to drinking alcohol, so it is still possible to drink a small amount of alcohol after burning your fingers. However, from a health perspective, it is best to avoid drinking alcohol. The primary concern with finger burns is the treatment of the burns: frequent disinfection and dressing changes are necessary to protect the burn site and prevent infection. Additionally, it is beneficial for the recovery of the soft tissue to minimize the movement of the burned fingers. Moving the burned fingers might lead to tearing of the soft tissues and bleeding, which can prolong the recovery time of the burn.

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Written by Chen Xiao Jun
Emergency Department
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How to deal with peeling skin after a finger burn?

After a finger is scalded and begins to peel, it is essential to immediately use ice water and cool water to rinse the area, which can be done for about half an hour. If there is ice available at home, you can use ice packs for local cold compresses. This can quickly lower the local temperature and reduce further damage to the skin, soft tissues, and muscles from the heat. On the other hand, you can use appropriate ointments to prevent infections that may occur after the local skin is damaged, while also incorporating comprehensive treatments such as fluid replenishment. If there is a worsening of the local infection, it is necessary to go to the hospital for further treatment.

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

After a finger burn, it should immediately be rinsed with cold or running water continuously for at least half an hour to cool down the damaged skin. Then, use iodine or alcohol to disinfect the area, followed by covering it with a dressing. If swelling occurs, cold packs with ice water can be applied. Alternatively, magnesium sulfate wet compresses or more traditional remedies, such as continually applying potato slices, can help reduce the swelling. However, these methods will require some time to take effect. The main goal is to alleviate symptoms through anti-inflammatory and pain relief treatments, allowing the inflammation of the soft tissues to subside gradually and the swelling to reduce.

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Written by Li Xiao Lin
Emergency Department
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What will happen if a burn on the finger is not treated?

The treatment of burns depends on the severity of the burn and cannot be generalized. For minor burns, such as when a finger is slightly red, indicating a mild burn, simply rinsing with water is adequate, and no special treatment is necessary. However, if the burn is more severe and has reached the dermis, it requires prompt attention. First, the area should be thoroughly rinsed with cold water for at least half an hour to quickly cool the area and alleviate the worsening of the condition. Additionally, it is crucial to seek further treatment at a hospital, where disinfection, bandaging, and possibly other examinations will be performed. If the burn is severe, treatments such as intravenous fluids and anti-infection measures may be necessary.

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Written by Li Xiao Lin
Emergency Department
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Why do burns on fingers blister?

After a finger is scalded, the high local temperature causes some damage underneath the skin, resulting in the skin oozing fluid. This fluid accumulates and forms blisters, so after a scald, the finger may develop a blister or several blisters. Once a blister has formed, try not to puncture it. It can be disinfected with iodine and allowed to absorb slowly on its own. Puncturing the blister might lead to infection, worsening the condition. Generally, after a finger is scalded and a blister forms, it suffices to disinfect the area. Of course, it is crucial to cool the finger quickly after the scald to minimize further damage.

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Written by Wang Ji Zhong
Internal Medicine
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What should I do if I have an esophageal burn?

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.