Treating Burns: Quick Relief And Recovery From Hot Pot Burns

Burns from hot pots can be extremely painful and cause serious damage to the skin. It's important to act fast and take the necessary first-aid steps to treat the burn effectively. The first step is to stop the heat immediately by running the affected area under cool water or submerging it in a sink. Do not use ice, as this can cause further damage to the skin. For first-degree burns, which only affect the outer layer of skin, it is recommended to run the burn under water for about five minutes. For second-degree burns, which affect the epidermis and the lower layer of skin, increase the time to 10 minutes. It's crucial to remove any clothing or jewellery from the burned area before it starts to swell.

Run the affected area under cool water for at least 5 minutes

If you've been burned by a hot pot, it's important to act quickly and effectively to minimise the impact of the injury. Running the affected area under cool water for at least 5 minutes is a crucial first step in treating burn injuries. Here's a detailed guide on what to do:

Step 1: Running Water Treatment

• As soon as possible after the burn occurs, run the affected area under cool water for at least 5 minutes. The sooner you start this treatment, the better.
• Ideally, you should run the burn under cool water for a full 20 minutes. This extended duration has been shown to significantly improve burn outcomes and reduce tissue damage, scarring, and healing time.
• Use cool running water with a temperature between 2ºC and 15ºC. The optimal temperature is 12ºC.
• If running water is not available, you can also submerge the burn in a container of cool water.
• Avoid using icy water or ice on the burn, as this can lead to hypothermia, especially with larger burns.
• Remove any jewellery from the affected area before it starts to swell. You can do this while running the burn under water or take a quick break to remove it.

Step 2: Additional First Aid

• After cooling the burn, loosely cover the area with cling film or a clean plastic bag. This helps keep the area clean and reduces pain by keeping air away from the skin's surface.
• Do not try to remove any clothing or fabric that is stuck to the burn, as this may cause further damage. You can carefully remove clothing near the burn but not stuck to it.
• If the burn is serious or if you're unsure, call emergency services or seek medical advice.

Prevention Tips:

• Remember to cook with handles turned in to prevent accidents.
• In the case of a grease fire, cover the pan to extinguish the flames or use an approved fire extinguisher. Do not try to move the burning pan.

By following these steps, you can effectively treat a burn injury and reduce the potential for long-term damage and scarring.

Remove rings or other tight items from the burned area

When treating a burn, it's important to act fast. One of the first things you should do is remove any tight items, such as rings or clothing, from the burned area as quickly as possible. This is because the burned area may begin to swell, and you want to get tight items off before that happens. If you don't, a ring that was once loose could become too tight to remove without causing further injury.

If the burn is on your hand or finger and you're unable to remove a ring, you should immediately run your hand under cold water to try to prevent swelling. If the ring gets stuck and you're unable to remove it, seek medical attention.

The same goes for clothing. If your clothing is tight-fitting and covers the burned area, take it off right away. Otherwise, the fabric could get stuck to your skin as the area swells and blisters.

In addition to removing tight items, you should also be mindful of the fabric that comes into contact with the burn. Avoid fabrics that could leave fibres in the wound, such as wool. Instead, opt for something clean and soft, like cotton.

Do not break blisters

It is important to not break blisters that form after a burn. These blisters are the body's way of protecting the underlying burnt skin while it heals. They act as a natural bandage and help prevent infection.

Popping a blister can slow down the healing process and makes the burn more prone to infection. If a blister breaks on its own, peel off the dead skin and keep the area clean and covered. Apply an antibiotic ointment and cover the area with a new bandage.

If you have a large blister, severe pain, or signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, or pus, it's best to seek medical advice.

Apply an antibiotic ointment

After you've run the burned area under cool water, gently washed it with soap, and dried it, you can apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment to keep your skin safe from bacteria and avoid infection. Antibiotic ointments also offer skin protection and create a barrier so that your dressing doesn't stick to your skin. This protection keeps your burn safe from injury when you change or remove a dressing.

You can apply the ointment two to three times per day or anytime you change your dressing. Popular over-the-counter antibiotic ointments include Neosporin Burn Relief First-Aid Antibiotic Ointment and Polysporin First Aid Topical Ointment.

If you develop a rash or the treatment seems to be making things worse, stop using the ointment and ask your doctor or healthcare provider for advice.

Apply lotion to prevent drying and provide relief

Applying lotion is an important step in treating a burn from a hot pot to prevent dryness and provide relief. It is crucial to opt for lotions with skin-protecting or moisturising ingredients, as they help rehydrate damaged skin and promote new skin growth.

When selecting a lotion for burn relief, look for products containing aloe vera, a natural skin soother with moisturising properties. Aloe vera is gentle and safe to use on children, adults, and the elderly. It effectively relieves pain and promotes healing.

In addition to aloe vera, some lotions contain anti-itch ingredients, pain relievers, or antibiotics. These additional components help alleviate discomfort, prevent infection, and support the healing process.

When applying lotion to a burn, it is important to follow the instructions on the product packaging. Ensure that the burn is cooled and cleaned before applying the lotion. Gently apply a thin layer of the lotion to the affected area, taking care not to apply too much pressure on the damaged skin.

While most minor burns can be treated at home, it is always recommended to seek medical advice, especially if it is your first time dealing with a burn. Additionally, if the burn is severe, covers a large area, or affects sensitive parts of the body, seek immediate medical attention.

Frequently asked questions