Medical Advice on Hot Water Burns

Hot liquids are the number one cause of burns among people in the United States. Because these burns are so common, it's important to know how to treat them. When dealing with a burn from hot water, having the right medical information may lessen your symptoms and speed your recovery.

First-Degree Burn

• Burns are rated in terms of degrees: first, second and third. First-degree burns are the least dangerous of the three. The characteristics of a first-degree burn are pain and redness of the skin; however, a first-degree burn does not break through the first layer of skin. The first step in treating a first-degree burn is to cool the burn under cool running water for five minutes. After cooling the burn, wrap the affected area with sterile gauze.

Second-Degree Burn

• A second-degree burn occurs when the first layer of skin is burned through and the layer of skin below it is burned as well. Second-degree burns are very painful and are characterized by blisters, redness and swelling. If the burn is less than 3 inches in diameter, treat it as a minor burn. If it is more than 3 inches in diameter, seek medical care.

Third-Degree Burn

• Third-degree burns are the most serious. There is no pain involved due to nerve damage; however, all layers of the skin are involved and serious tissue damage occurs. If exposure to hot water results in a third-degree burn, call 911 immediately.