Is it normal for a finger burn to become hard, thickened, and dark brown one week after the injury?

Hard, Dark Brown Skin One Week After Finger Burn: Normal Healing Process

Yes, hard and dark brown skin one week after a finger burn is a normal part of the healing process, representing eschar (dead tissue) formation that typically occurs with deeper partial-thickness or full-thickness burns. 1, 2

Understanding What You're Seeing

The hard, dark brown tissue is eschar—dead, dehydrated skin that forms as the burn wound evolves over the first week. 1, 2 This is particularly common when:

• The initial burn was deeper than it appeared (deep partial-thickness or full-thickness) 1
• The burned tissue has dried out and hardened as part of natural wound progression 2
• Pigmentation changes are occurring, which are expected and often cumulative over time, especially in individuals with darker baseline skin tones 3

Critical Red Flags Requiring Immediate Medical Attention

You need urgent evaluation if you notice any of these signs:

• Increasing pain, redness, swelling, or warmth spreading beyond the burn site (indicates infection/cellulitis) 4, 5
• Purulent discharge, foul odor, or fever (signs of burn wound infection) 4, 5
• Numbness, tingling, or inability to move the finger (suggests deeper injury affecting nerves/tendons) 1
• Blue, purple, or pale discoloration of the entire finger (indicates vascular compromise) 6

When Specialist Referral Is Mandatory

You should see a burn specialist or hand surgeon immediately because finger burns involve a high-risk anatomical location. 6, 4, 7 The American Burn Association mandates specialist consultation for burns involving the hands, regardless of size, due to risk of functional impairment and need for specialized wound care. 4, 7

Do not delay this referral—even seemingly minor hand burns can result in permanent loss of function, contractures, and hypertrophic scarring without proper management. 4, 7

Expected Healing Timeline and Wound Evolution

• Superficial partial-thickness burns heal within 2-3 weeks with minimal scarring 1
• Deep partial-thickness burns (which your description suggests) may take 3-8 weeks and often require surgical excision of the eschar 1, 2
• Full-thickness burns (entire dermis destroyed) will not heal on their own and require skin grafting 1, 2

The hard, dark tissue you're seeing at one week suggests the burn is at least deep partial-thickness, meaning the injury extended well into the dermis. 1, 2

Pigmentation Changes Are Expected

Hyperpigmentation (darkening) at burn sites is normal and predictable, especially in individuals with darker skin tones (Fitzpatrick scale 3-6). 3 This darkening:

• Becomes more pronounced over the first 3 years after injury 3
• Correlates significantly with baseline skin color 3
• Is permanent if melanocyte-bearing deep dermis remains intact 3

What You Should Do Now

1. Schedule urgent evaluation with a burn specialist or hand surgeon within 24-48 hours 4, 7
2. Keep the wound clean and covered with a non-adherent dressing until evaluated 6, 7
3. Do not attempt to remove the hard, dark tissue yourself—this requires professional assessment to determine if surgical debridement is needed 4, 2
4. Monitor for infection signs daily (increased pain, redness, swelling, drainage, fever) 4, 5
5. Maintain pain control with over-the-counter acetaminophen or ibuprofen 6, 7

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Never delay specialist consultation for hand burns—functional outcomes depend on early, specialized care 4, 7
• Never apply home remedies, butter, or oils to the wound at this stage 7
• Never attempt to debride or remove the eschar yourself—this requires sterile technique and professional judgment about tissue viability 4, 2
• Never assume "it's just healing" if pain is worsening—increasing pain one week out suggests infection or deeper injury 4, 5

Why Immediate Specialist Care Matters

Early excision of necrotic tissue (the hard, dark eschar) substantially decreases the risk of invasive burn wound infection and improves functional outcomes. 4, 5 Hand burns specifically require specialized wound care, possible early tangential excision, and close monitoring to prevent contractures that limit finger movement. 4, 1