What should I do if my hand is scalded by boiling water?
My hand was accidentally scalded by boiling water while cooking, resulting in a small blister, and it is now slightly painful. I would like to know how to treat this type of burn.
Doctor's answer (1)
For a scald burn from hot water, it is recommended to immediately stop further contact with the heat source and quickly rinse the affected hand under running cold water or soak it in ice water for 15-20 minutes to lower the local temperature and reduce damage to deeper tissues. Never apply ice directly to the skin, as this may cause frostbite.
Observe the burned area; if there is only slight swelling, redness, or small blisters, soaking or wet compresses may be performed after rinsing with cold water. For burns sustained through clothing, wait until the clothing has cooled before removing it to avoid breaking the skin.
Avoid squeezing blisters during cleaning, and afterward disinfect the area with povidone-iodine or clean with normal saline. Apply a burn ointment containing silver ions or an antibiotic ointment to the wound to help prevent infection. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen may also be taken to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation.
If symptoms such as redness, swelling, discharge, or fever occur, seek medical attention promptly, as professional wound debridement and stronger antibiotic treatment may be necessary. Large blisters or more severe burns should also be evaluated and treated by a healthcare professional promptly.
