How to Soothe Steam Burns

Steam burns occur when the skin is exposed to vapors emitted from hot substances, including coffee, tea, hot foods, humidifiers and bath water. Because pure steam is invisible, you can expose yourself to burns without even knowing it. These burns range in severity -- first-degree, second-degree and third-degree burns. First-degree burns affect only the skin's outer layer, leaving the skin red with swelling. Second-degree burns penetrate the skin's surface, causing pain, swelling and blistering, says MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. Third-degree burns cause deep tissue damage, and skin appears charred. First-aid treatments soothe a minor steam burn or severe burns until emergency assistance arrives.

Things You'll Need

• Water
• Anesthetic cream
• Moisturizing lotion
• Aloe vera gel
• Clean gauze
• Sterile wound dressing
• Ibuprofen
• Acetaminophen

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Instructions

• 1

  Remove jewelry from steam-burned skin. Once skin begins swelling, it becomes harder to remove jewelry from the affected area. Remove clothing only if the burn is first degree, as clothing becomes uncomfortable when it rubs against damaged skin. If a steam burn is second or third degree, however, do not remove clothing; cover any exposed areas of burned skin with loose, sterile clothes until professional help becomes available.

• 2

  Soak minor burned skin in room-temperature water or tap water from the faucet. MedlinePlus suggests immersing minor burned, unbroken skin in cool water for at least five minutes or holding skin under running water. MayoClinic.com says to avoid applying ice or ice-cold water to burns because that causes more skin damage or lowers the body temperature too fast.

• 3

  Apply anesthetic creams, moisturizing lotion or aloe vera gel to soothe burned skin. Topical anesthetic creams numb the skin and reduce scarring, while lotions prevent dry skin. Aloe vera contains skin-soothing properties. Anesthetic creams are available over the counter or by prescription. MayoClinic.com says you shouldn't use butter or ointments because they trap heat in your tissues, increasing your risk of infections. FamilyDoctor.org says to use prescription creams and ointments on second-degree burns and avoid using ointments on third-degree burns.

• 4

  Wrap burned skin in sterile, clean gauze or wound dressings. Covering your burns prevents pain and protects your skin from air. Wrapping the wound too tightly adds too much pressure on the wound, according to MayoClinic.com.

• 5

  Take over-the-counter medication to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. MedlinePlus says ibuprofen and acetaminophen work well for reducing pain and swelling associated with burns. If you are treating steam burns on children younger than 12, avoid giving them aspirin.