Burn on thumb from hot steam. very red. looks patchy or maybe "future blisters" (hard to tell) internet keeps saying hand burns need to be treated differently. what is best treatment and does being on hand change that? pain is decreasing. thanks

Size matters here: Any burn's seriousness & urgency of treatment depends on how big the wound is, what caused it, and how deep. Typically steam from a tea kettle or hot food will be first or second degree. The area, if small and getting less painful and is not surrounding the whole finger or a joint can be treated like any other minor burn. Silvadene (silver sulfadiazine) helps the pain (but is a prescription). Keep clean, protect area.

Burns are burns: Do not believe all what you read on the internet; burns are burns and have to be addressed quickly. Wash the area with soap and water then apply an anti-burn cream such as silvadene (silver sulfadiazine) to the area, then cover it with sterile gauze. Do not ignore it otherwise it can get infected. See an Internist or go to the ER.