How to treat a burn from hot water

Generally, in the case of a scald from boiling water, you should immediately remove the heat source, rinse or soak the affected area with cold water, remove clothing and jewelry, assess the injury and provide initial treatment, and seek medical attention for further treatment. The specific steps are as follows:

1. Immediately remove the heat source: Once a scald is noticed, quickly turn off the tap or move the container of hot water away to prevent continued heat transfer to the skin and worsening of the injury.

2. Rinse or soak with cold water: Place the scalded area under a stream of cool running water or soak it in cool water for 15–30 minutes. This can effectively lower skin temperature, reduce pain, and minimize further damage to deeper tissues. During rinsing, avoid using excessively forceful water flow to prevent secondary injury to the skin.

3. Remove clothing and jewelry: If the scalded area is covered by clothing or jewelry, carefully remove these items without forcefully pulling, to avoid causing secondary injury. If clothing adheres to the skin, first soak it with cold water before gently cutting it away.

4. Assess the injury and initial treatment: Examine the scalded area and assess the severity. For minor burns, such as redness and mild pain, apply an appropriate amount of erythromycin ointment, burn ointment, or recombinant human epidermal growth factor gel as directed by a physician. These medications have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory properties and promote epithelial growth, aiding in healing and preventing infection.

5. Seek medical attention and follow-up treatment: For moderate to severe burns, especially those involving large areas, deep burns, or burns on specific areas of the body, seek immediate medical attention. The physician will develop an individualized treatment plan based on the severity of the burn, which may include wound debridement, dressing changes, intravenous medication, and other treatments. During the treatment process, patients should follow medical advice to take medications and change dressings on schedule, and keep the wound clean and dry.

During the recovery period, patients should maintain a light diet and avoid consuming spicy foods such as chili peppers and sesame oil. Maintain cleanliness of the scalded area to prevent local infection. Follow medical instructions strictly when using burn medications.