Steam Burns From Cooking Oil: What You Need To Know

Cooking oil burns are a common injury, especially during the holiday season when multiple dishes are being prepared at once. Oil burns can be extremely painful and cause lasting damage to the skin. They are usually caused by oil splattering from a pan onto the skin. In most cases, simple first aid techniques are sufficient treatment for an oil burn. However, if the burn is larger than 3 inches in diameter or covers a major body part, immediate medical attention is required. Steam burns are another common type of burn caused by hot water vapour or hot liquid. They can affect any exposed area of the skin, as well as the eyes and mucous membranes in the mouth, nose, and windpipe. Steam burns can be more severe than hot water burns due to the release of energy when steam turns back into liquid upon contact with the skin.

Oil burns can be treated at home with cool water and ointment

Oil burns, including cooking oil burns, can be treated at home if they are minor. First-degree burns and second-degree burns that are less than 3 inches in diameter can be treated with home remedies. However, if the burn is more extensive or affects a major body part, such as the face, hands, feet, or joints, seek medical help immediately.

Step 1: Cool the Burn

Remove any clothing or jewellery near the burn, then run cool water over the burned area for at least 5 minutes, or up to 30 minutes if needed, until the skin is cool to the touch. Avoid using cold water or ice, as it can cause further tissue damage.

Step 2: Clean the Burn

Gently clean the burn with cool water and a mild soap, patting rather than rubbing to avoid further damage to the skin. Do not pop any blisters, as this can lead to infection.

Step 3: Apply Ointment

Apply a thin layer of burn ointment or gel, such as aloe vera or an antibiotic ointment, to the affected area. Avoid ointments containing antibiotics, as they may cause an allergic reaction.

Step 4: Dress the Burn

Wrap the burn lightly with a moist dressing pad or plastic cling wrap. If using gauze, wet the dressing with sterile water or apply a layer of Vaseline first to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Follow-Up Treatment

Change the dressing daily, washing the burn with mild soap and cool water. Keep an eye out for signs of infection, such as oozing, pus, increased redness, or swelling, and seek medical attention if these occur.

It is important to note that home treatment for oil burns is only suitable for minor burns. For more severe burns, seek medical attention as soon as possible.

More serious burns require immediate medical attention

It is crucial to know when a cooking oil burn can be treated at home and when you may need medical attention. If the burn covers a two- to three-inch area and the affected area is a major body part, such as the face, hands, feet, or joints, then you should seek medical help immediately.

Third-degree burns always require immediate medical attention by professionals. The skin will appear charred or white, and the pain is severe. These burns result in damage to all layers of the skin. When treating a third-degree burn, you should clean the area quickly and thoroughly first. Do not run a severe burn under water. After the wound is as clean as possible, cover it with a clean cloth or bandage as you make your way to the emergency room.

If the burn is in a sensitive area or is larger than your hand, seek emergency medical treatment immediately. Do not attempt to treat the burn with first aid on your own.

If you have a severe cooking oil burn, it is crucial to get the treatment you need as soon as possible. If you notice any of the following symptoms, head to the ER as soon as you can:

• The affected area covers 2-3 inches in diameter on your skin
• The affected area is on a major body part
• There is pus leaking from the affected area
• The skin looks charred, white, or missing
• The burn has a bad smell
• The pain increases over time

Steam burns can be worse than hot water burns

When water reaches its boiling point of 212 degrees Fahrenheit, it turns to steam. Steam is made up of superheated water molecules. When they come into contact with body tissue, they can scald almost instantly. Steam can cause worse burns than hot water because, as mentioned, when steam touches the skin, it releases energy in the form of heat. This is called the heat of condensation.

The heat of condensation is the same amount of heat as the heat of vaporization. Water requires a large amount of heat to vaporize. For example, to vaporize 1 kg of water, 2257 kJ of heat energy is required. If we compare this to the amount of heat needed to heat water from 20°C to 100°C, only 336 kJ is needed. Therefore, more than six times as much heat is required for vaporization as for heating. This large amount of energy is stored as internal energy in the gas phase.

Steam burns can be especially dangerous if inhaled or if they come into contact with the eyes. Symptoms of an inhalation injury include difficulty swallowing. Vision loss can occur if steam burns the eyes.

Steam burns can be first, second, or third-degree burns. If you or someone else is burned by steam, remove the heat source and keep the injured area under cool, running water for at least 20 minutes. Cover the wound and call for emergency help if the burn is in a sensitive area or covers more than 9% of the body.

Burns can be categorised by severity, from first to third-degree

Yes, you can get a steam burn from cooking oil. Oil burns are quite common, especially when oil splatters from the pan onto your hand or arm.

Burns can be categorised by severity, from first to third degree:

First-degree (superficial) burns affect only the epidermis, the outer layer of skin. The burn site is typically red, painful, and dry, with no blisters. Sunburn is a common example of a first-degree burn.

Second-degree (partial thickness) burns involve damage to the epidermis and part of the lower layer of skin, the dermis. The burn site often appears red, blistered, swollen, and painful.

Third-degree (full thickness) burns are the most severe, destroying both the epidermis and dermis. They may also extend into the innermost layer, the subcutaneous tissue. The burn site may appear white or blackened and charred, and nerve endings may be destroyed, resulting in a loss of sensation or pain.

It is important to accurately assess the severity of a burn to determine the appropriate treatment and prevent further damage. While first- and second-degree burns can often be treated at home, third-degree burns always require immediate medical attention.

Burns can be prevented by being careful with hot liquids in the kitchen

Burns are a common injury, especially in the kitchen. They can be caused by hot liquids, steam, and hot oil. Oil burns are particularly common during busy cooking periods, such as the holiday season. However, these types of burns can be prevented by taking some simple precautions.

Firstly, it is important to be mindful of pot handles. Ensure they are turned inward on the stove, so they do not stick out and pose a risk of being knocked over or grabbed by children. Similarly, turn coffee mug handles away from table or counter edges to prevent toddlers from reaching for them.

When frying food, always keep an eye on the hot oil and never leave it unattended. If a fire starts, do not put water on the flames or try to run out of the house with the pan. Instead, cover the pan with a lid to deprive the flames of oxygen and stop the fire. Call the fire department if you need assistance.

If you have elderly family members cooking, offer them help to prevent scalds, and keep an eye on their long sleeves to ensure they do not catch fire. Keep children away from boiling water and hot appliances at all times.

Set water heaters to a maximum of 120 degrees F, and keep children's bathwater at around 100 degrees F. Higher temperatures can cause scalds.

In the kitchen, use only microwave-safe containers, and always let food cool in the microwave before removing it. Open microwave containers carefully, pulling the lid off away from your body. Do not microwave baby bottles or sealed containers, and ensure that food can vent steam during cooking.

Keep a first aid kit in the kitchen, which should include a burn ointment and an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment to prevent infection. If a burn occurs, remove the cause, such as by washing off hot oil, and cool the burned area with water for at least 5 minutes. Do not use ice or cold water, as this can irritate the skin and cause further damage.

Cover the burn with a dry, sterile dressing, and change the dressing daily. Take over-the-counter pain medication if needed.

If a burn is larger than 2-3 inches in diameter, covers a major body part, or shows signs of infection, seek medical attention.

Frequently asked questions