What should I do if my hand is scalded with hot water?

Nov 26, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Liu Wenmin

Introduction

In general, if your hand is scalded by hot water, you can take the following steps: immediately cool the affected area, remove tight clothing or jewelry, disinfect the wound locally, apply burn ointment, observe the injury, and seek medical attention as needed. Stay calm and promptly go to a reputable hospital for proper treatment. Do not panic excessively if your hand is scalded; avoid applying substances such as toothpaste, soybean paste, or soy sauce to the wound, as this may worsen the infection. Maintain a light diet.

Generally, when the hand is scalded by hot water, immediate cooling, removal of tight clothing or jewelry, local disinfection, application of burn ointment, observation, and seeking medical attention are recommended. It is important to remain calm and promptly visit a legitimate hospital for proper treatment. A detailed explanation is as follows:

1. Immediate Cooling

After the hand has been scalded by hot water, the affected area should be placed under running cold water immediately or soaked in cold water for approximately 15-20 minutes. This helps reduce skin temperature, minimize ongoing tissue damage, and effectively alleviate pain.

2. Removal of Tight Clothing or Jewelry

If there is tight clothing or jewelry near the scalded area, carefully remove it to prevent additional damage during removal. However, if the clothing adheres to the skin, do not forcibly tear it off to avoid worsening the injury.

3. Local Disinfection

Burn wounds are susceptible to bacterial infections, such as Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus. It is recommended to gently clean the wound with mild soap and water, then pat dry with a clean cloth. To prevent infection, medical alcohol or iodophor can be used for local disinfection. However, individuals allergic to iodine should avoid using iodophor.

4. Application of Burn Ointment

Once the wound is dry, apply an appropriate amount of burn ointment, such as moist burn ointment, burn cream, or silver sulfadiazine cream. These medications can form a protective layer, reduce bacterial invasion, and promote wound healing.

5. Observation and Seeking Medical Attention

After a burn injury, closely monitor the wound. If signs of infection such as increased redness, swelling, intensified pain, or increased discharge occur, or if the burn is extensive or deep, seek medical attention promptly. The doctor will provide professional treatment recommendations based on the severity of the burn.

Do not panic excessively after scalding the hand. Reducing local blood flow can help reduce swelling. Never apply toothpaste, soybean paste, soy sauce, or similar substances to the wound, as this may worsen the infection. Maintain a light diet, avoid smoking, alcohol consumption, and spicy foods, and increase intake of vegetables and fruits rich in vitamins, such as spinach, celery, and apples, to aid wound healing.

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