Expert: Moshe Adler, MD - 3/4/2004

Question
My son is 2 years old and currently on no meds. Sunday night he burned his right index finger on the stove. Now it has fluid filled blister. I know I should not pop it but, if it does on its own do I need to cover it with a bandage to keep the germs out? He is a toddler you know and he has not seen a doc for this either. Would you recommend I have him seen or will home treatment be enough? Thank you for your help.  

Answer
I always like to see burns, to make sure they are healing ok without infection.  Burns on the fingers can cause serious problems of they don't heal right, since fingers are used so much.  Yes, if the blister opens, it should be covered, but it needs to be cleaned and an antiseptic cream should be applied.  Use a non-stick pad to cover it.  But he really should be seen by his doctor soon.

Moshe Adler, MD