What should I do if I got a scalding burn from steam and it's stinging?

After a steam burn causes a burning sensation, immediately move away from the heat source, rinse with cold water, remove any covering material, cover the area with clean gauze, and avoid applying random substances. If large blisters develop, the wound becomes pus-filled, or fever occurs, it is recommended to seek timely medical treatment at a正规 hospital. The specific steps are as follows:

1. Immediately move away from the heat source

Quickly leave the environment where steam is being generated to prevent continued exposure of the burned area to high-temperature steam. Prolonged contact with heat will continuously damage skin tissue and extend the duration of exposure, worsening cell necrosis. Only by promptly removing the heat source can further injury be prevented at its origin, laying the foundation for subsequent treatment.

2. Rinse with cold water

Use running cold water to continuously rinse the burned area for 15 to 20 minutes, with an ideal water temperature of 15 to 20°C. Cold water rapidly removes localized heat, lowers skin temperature, reduces damage to deep tissues caused by high temperatures, and also helps alleviate the transmission of pain signals to the nervous system, effectively relieving the burning discomfort.

3. Remove covering materials

If clothing covers the burned area, gently remove it while rinsing with cold water. Clothing may retain heat, and if adhered to the wound, can worsen tissue damage. Removing clothes during cold rinsing reduces the risk of adhesion, prevents secondary injury from tearing fabric off the wound, and keeps the wound exposed for proper follow-up care.

4. Cover with clean gauze

After rinsing, gently cover the wound with sterile gauze or clean, breathable cotton cloth. Exposing the wound to air increases the risk of bacterial contamination and infection. Clean gauze acts as a protective barrier, isolating the wound from external contaminants while maintaining a moist healing environment that promotes skin tissue repair.

5. Avoid applying random substances

Do not apply toothpaste, soy sauce, or other substances to the wound. These items may irritate the injured area, interfere with a doctor’s assessment of the injury, block pores, hinder normal heat dissipation and drainage of exudate, increase the risk of infection, and delay healing.

When using steam-related equipment in daily life, take proper protective measures and familiarize yourself with safety operation guidelines in advance to reduce the risk of burns.