How to Treat a Steam Burn on Skin

Steam burns are often referred to as scalds. These type of burns are often sustained by young children and the elderly, and most likely occur from the steam created by boiling water, or very hot food. For example, removing plastic film from recently microwaved foods or placing your hand or arm in close proximity to a hot pot of boiling water can cause a steam burn. As long as a steam burn is considered a first degree burn, it can usually be treated successfully at home.

Things You'll Need

• Cold, running or standing water, or cold compresses
• 100% aloe vera cream or gel
• Sterile gauze bandages
• Medical tape
• Antibiotic ointment
• Over-the-counter pain relieving medication

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Instructions

• 1

  Identify whether you have a first, second or third degree burn. First degree burns affect only the top layer of skin. otherwise he skin will appear red, and it will be painful to touch. It may also be swollen. Second degree burns is characterized by a red, blotchy appearance that is very swollen and painful. There will likely be blisters in the area of this type of burn. Third degree burns may appear waxy, leathery or charred and black. The burn may have damaged nerves. It is important to seek emergency medical care immediately if you sustain a third degree burn. Do not try to treat the burn at home.

• 2

  Hold the burned area of skin under a water faucet, or other source of running water, and run cold water over the affected area for approximately 10 to 15 minutes.

• 3

  Apply 100 percent aloe vera gel, or an aloe-based cream to the steam burn. This will help ease some of the discomfort, as well as prevent drying of the skin.

• 4

  Loosely wrap a sterile gauze bandage around the affected area, and secure it with medical tape. The bandage can be worn for the next 24 hours, if needed.

• 5

  Take the manufacturer's recommended amount of ibuprofen or acetaminophen to relieve any resulting pain.

• 6

  Remove the bandage and re-apply the aloe gel or cream as needed.