How to relieve pain from a hand burn
Nov 24, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Wenmin
Introduction
After a hand burn, promptly taking scientific measures can quickly relieve pain and reduce injury. Key pain relief methods include immediately rinsing with cool water to lower temperature, followed by cold compresses to enhance analgesia, properly protecting the wound to avoid irritation, appropriately using topical medications, and adjusting hand position to reduce strain. After treatment, observe wound changes daily and maintain cleanliness of the affected area.
After a hand burn, promptly taking scientific measures can quickly relieve pain and reduce tissue damage. Key pain relief methods include immediate cooling with cold water, follow-up cold compresses for enhanced analgesia, proper wound protection to avoid irritation, appropriate use of topical medications, and adjusting hand position to reduce strain. Detailed explanations are as follows:
1. Cooling with Cold Water: Immediately after the burn, immerse or rinse the injured hand under flowing water at 15–20°C for 15–20 minutes. Cold water rapidly removes residual heat, minimizing further thermal damage to skin tissues and suppressing pain signal transmission.
2. Follow-up Cold Compress for Enhanced Pain Relief: If pain persists after cold water treatment, apply a cold pack or cold towel wrapped in a clean cloth gently to the burned area. Apply for 10–15 minutes per session, repeating every 1–2 hours as needed. Cold compresses help continuously constrict local blood vessels, reduce inflammatory responses, and further alleviate pain.
3. Protecting the Wound to Avoid Irritation: The skin barrier is compromised after a burn, so it's important to keep the wound clean and dry, avoiding friction, pressure, or contact with contaminants. If the skin is unbroken, the area may be left exposed; if small blisters form, do not puncture them. Instead, cover gently with sterile gauze to minimize external irritation and associated pain, while also reducing infection risk.
4. Appropriate Use of Topical Medications: After initial pain subsides, apply burn-specific ointments (e.g., moist burn ointment) under medical guidance. These ointments form a protective layer that shields the wound from irritants and provide analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, promoting wound healing.
5. Adjusting Hand Position to Reduce Strain: Elevate the injured hand above heart level—such as by supporting the arm with a pillow—to enhance local blood return, reduce swelling, and thereby relieve discomfort caused by edema.
After treatment, monitor the wound daily and maintain cleanliness. When handling high-temperature objects during daily activities, wear protective gloves and take preventive measures to reduce burn risks. During recovery, maintain a light diet rich in vitamins to support wound healing.
