What Are the Treatments for a Boiling Water Burn?

For novice and seasoned cooks alike, a burn from boiling liquid is one of the most commonplace injuries you can sustain while working in the kitchen. If this happens to you, there are several things that you can do. First, determine the severity of the burn. If it is a major burn, seek medical attention immediately. If the burn is minor, there are several ways to alleviate pain without going to the hospital.

Cold Water

• Run the affected area under cold water for 10 to 15 minutes to cool down the entire area. Do not apply ice directly to the burned area, as this may cause frostbite or other complications. If you cannot hold the burned area under cold running water, hold a cold compress over the burn or immerse it in cold water until the pain begins to subside. Then gently pat it dry. Do not rub the affected area because it will cause unnecessary pain.

Bandages

• Because the burned epidermis is so sensitive, protect it from contact with anything else. Use sterile gauze bandages to cover the area loosely, but completely and seal the edges with surgical or medical tape. The tape will adhere snugly to the healthy surrounding skin, but can be removed with very little discomfort. Change the gauze dressing after eight to 12 hours, depending on the severity of the burn. The skin that has been burned will most likely produce blisters, that is normal, do not pop the blisters. It is the skin's natural way of defending itself against infection and beginning to heal. If the burn begins to turn white, seek emergency medical care, as this may be a sign that the burn is deeper and more severe than originally anticipated.

Medication

• Even if the burn is small, it usually feels like a major pain. Any over-the-counter pain reliever, such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen or aspirin are OK to take in the recommended dosages. Be sure to know all medications that the burned patient takes regularly. Pain relievers, aspirin in particular, can sometimes interact with medications negatively. If the victim seems to be in an inordinate amount of pain and is not helped by the over-the-counter medication, seek emergency medical attention.