What to do after a scald burn from boiling water

Jul 15, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

I accidentally scalded myself with boiling water the day before yesterday. I would like to ask the doctor, what should I do after a scald from boiling water?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Wang Xiaoyan
After a scald burn from boiling water, the following measures can be taken: 1. **Rinse with cool running water**: Immediately rinse the affected area with cool running water to lower the skin temperature quickly and reduce tissue damage. 2. **Ice application**: If possible, apply ice packs or ice cubes locally to cause contraction of the subcutaneous soft tissues, which can help reduce swelling and blister formation. 3. **Topical medications**: If symptoms such as redness, swelling, or skin breakdown are present, topical antibiotics such as erythromycin ointment or fusidic acid cream may be applied under a physician's guidance. 4. **Drainage of blisters**: If blisters form, a physician should puncture them using a sterile needle to drain the fluid and promote wound healing. 5. **Dressing the wound**: If the burn area is large or shows signs of erosion, the wound should be covered with sterile gauze after medication application to prevent infection.