What should I do if I got burned by a motorcycle exhaust pipe?

Nov 25, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Liu Wenmin

Introduction

After a burn from a motorcycle exhaust pipe, immediately move away from the heat source, rinse the area with cool water to reduce temperature, properly manage blisters, apply burn ointment, and protect the wound. If the burn covers a large area, is extremely painful, or accompanied by fever, seek prompt medical treatment at a正规 hospital. In daily care, keep the wound clean and dry, avoid contact with water, maintain a light diet, and reduce intake of spicy foods.

After being burned by a motorcycle exhaust pipe, you should immediately move away from the heat source, rinse the area with cool water to reduce temperature, properly manage blisters, apply burn ointment, and protect the wound. If the burn covers a large area, is extremely painful, or is accompanied by fever, it is recommended to seek timely medical treatment at a正规 hospital. Specific steps are as follows:

1. Immediately move away from the heat source

Continued exposure to high heat after a burn can worsen tissue damage. It is essential to quickly remove contact with the hot exhaust to prevent the burn from spreading or deepening, allowing time for proper follow-up care.

2. Cool the burn with running water

Rinse the burned area under cool running water for 15–20 minutes. This rapidly removes heat, minimizes further damage to skin tissue, and helps relieve pain. The ideal water temperature is 15–20°C; avoid using ice-cold water, which may cause additional irritation.

3. Properly manage blisters

Small blisters do not need to be punctured, as the intact skin provides natural protection. For large blisters, use a sterile needle to make a small hole at the edge for drainage. Do not peel off the overlying skin to prevent infection. Both the needle and wound must be disinfected before and after the procedure.

4. Apply burn ointment

After drainage or on non-blistered wounds, apply a specialized burn ointment to form a protective layer, promote healing, and reduce discomfort. Avoid applying toothpaste, soy sauce, or similar substances, as they may irritate the wound or lead to infection.

5. Protect the wound

Gently cover the wound with sterile gauze to prevent friction or pressure. Bandaging should not be too tight—ensure adequate ventilation and protect the wound from sweat, dirt, or contamination.

In daily care, keep the wound clean and dry, avoiding contact with water. Maintain a light diet and avoid spicy foods. If signs of infection such as redness, swelling, pus discharge, or fever develop, or if the burn is located on the face, joints, or other sensitive areas, seek immediate medical attention—do not attempt self-treatment.

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In general, a stinging pain in the skin similar to a burn may be caused by exposure to irritants, dry environments, contact dermatitis, solar dermatitis, herpes zoster, or other reasons. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and then improve symptoms under a doctor's guidance through general measures, medications, or other treatments. In daily life, avoid known irritants and allergens, and choose mild skincare and cleansing products.

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How long does it take for hair to grow back after being burned off by fire?

When the scalp is injured, hair follicles may be temporarily or permanently damaged, and hair growth can significantly slow down. If burns cause redness and blistering of the scalp, the hair follicles enter a repair phase and may take over six months to potentially resume growth. In severe burns where hair follicles are extensively damaged, localized hair loss may occur. In such cases, medical evaluation is necessary to determine whether medical interventions are needed to assist follicle recovery.

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How long does it take to recover from a laser burn that created a hole on the foot?

In general, the recovery time for laser surgery wounds on the feet ranges from 1 to 4 weeks, depending on the wound size, individual constitution, and postoperative care. Smaller wounds, better physical condition, and proper wound care lead to faster recovery, while larger wounds or inadequate care may require a longer healing period. It is advisable to avoid prolonged standing or walking in daily life to reduce weight-bearing on the feet. In terms of diet, consume more protein- and vitamin-rich foods such as eggs and vegetables.

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