How do I get rid of a third degree burn?

Question

I burned a small area on my thumb about eight hours ago, and it still stings like h**l. It's kind of hard, white, and numb. I've been putting it in a glass of ice water, and it only relieves it for a short amount of time.

What can I do to get rid of it sooner? Or at least make it hurt less?

Thanks.

Answer 1

Don't worry it will stop soon, a few more hours.

Next time don't use ice, wet the finger and dip it in sugar for about a hour.

Answer 2

     First of all, dipping it in sugar serves no purpose other than to increase your risk of infection, so don't do that.  Keep it clean.  Your greatest risk with burns is infection.  If you have any toothache gel, like the stuff they put on baby's gums when they are teething, that will help to numb it a bit more.  Aloe gel, that green stuff you put on sunburn, will help.  If you have an aloe plant, just break a piece of it off the plant and rub the juice on the burn.  And take some Advil or Motrin.  Treat the pain from the inside.

Answer 3

I think thats actually a second degree burn.  But they sell burn cream in pharmacies that should make it feel a lot better.  Also the ice water thing is probably helping.  Good luck.

Answer 4

If its painful and pink then you have probably got a first degree or second degree burn NOT a third degree burn.

You can't really do anything much for minor burns to heal them quicker. Keep it clean, don't pop any blister/s, continue the cold water and ice pack (15 mins on then 15 mins off as you need to).

Don't dip it in sugar (thats just odd).

If the blister pops or there is an open wound stick a basic dressing on it and leave it on until it falls off (the less you touch the quicker it heals).

Take some basic pain killers like paracetamol or panadeine.

Good Luck,

Chris- Registered Nurse