What to do if scalded by hot oil
May 08, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Wenmin
Introduction
In general, if scalded by hot oil, treatment can be administered under a doctor's guidance through methods such as cooling the affected area, removing clothing, taking off jewelry, covering the wound, and seeking timely medical attention. When cooking, it is important to stay focused to avoid splattering hot oil; use appropriate cooking equipment, such as lids to prevent oil from spilling over. Maintain a safe distance when pouring oil or stir-frying, and avoid leaning your body close to the cookware.
Generally, in the case of a burn caused by hot oil, the following measures can be taken: cooling the affected area, removing clothing, taking off jewelry, covering the wound, and seeking medical attention promptly. If discomfort occurs, timely medical consultation is recommended. A detailed explanation is as follows:
1. Cooling
Rinse the burned area immediately with cool running water for at least 15 to 30 minutes, until the pain is significantly reduced. This helps rapidly lower the skin temperature and reduce heat transfer to deeper tissues, thus minimizing the severity of the burn. Take care to ensure the water flow is gentle and does not further damage the skin.
2. Removing Clothing
If the burned area is covered by clothing, carefully remove the clothing without forcefully pulling it off, as this may worsen skin damage. If the clothing adheres to the skin, use scissors to carefully cut away the unattached parts while leaving the adhered fabric intact. Do not forcibly remove any fabric stuck to the skin. Clothing that is difficult to remove can be dealt with by a medical professional after seeking treatment.
3. Removing Jewelry
If jewelry such as rings, bracelets, or watches is worn on the burned area, remove them as soon as possible. Swelling often occurs after burns, and failure to promptly remove jewelry may restrict local blood circulation, worsening swelling and pain, and potentially causing more severe injury.
4. Covering the Wound
Gently cover the burned area with sterile gauze or a clean towel to keep the wound clean and prevent bacterial infection. Avoid applying home remedies such as toothpaste, soy sauce, or salt to the burn, as these substances can irritate the wound, increase the risk of infection, and interfere with a doctor's assessment of the burn severity.
5. Seeking Medical Attention Promptly
If the burn covers a large area, is deep, presents blisters, peeling skin, charring, or if pain persists, seek immediate medical attention. During transport to the hospital, keep the burned area clean and protected. Medical professionals will provide appropriate treatment based on the specific condition, which may include medications such as mupirocin ointment, recombinant human epidermal growth factor gel, or Jingwanhong ointment. In some cases, skin grafting surgery may be necessary, in which a section of healthy skin from another part of the body is used to cover the burned area to promote healing.
When cooking, stay focused to avoid splattering hot oil. Use appropriate cooking tools—for example, lids can prevent oil from spilling out. Maintain a safe distance when pouring oil or stir-frying, and avoid leaning over the cookware.
