Ella Walter
Burning your hand on a hot pan is a common accident that can be very painful. It is important to act quickly to minimise damage and promote healing. The first step is to remove your hand from the hot pan and protect it from further heat exposure. The next step is to assess the severity of the burn. There are three categories of burns: first-degree, second-degree, and third-degree burns. First-degree burns only affect the outermost layer of the skin, resulting in redness, pain, and swelling. Second-degree burns affect the layers of skin beneath, causing intense pain, swelling, and blistering. Third-degree burns impact all layers of the skin and can result in nerve damage. To treat a minor burn, cool the burn with running water that is slightly colder than room temperature for 10-15 minutes or until the pain eases. Remove any tight items such as rings from the burned area and apply a mild soap and cool water to gently clean the burn. Use a sterile, non-stick dressing to protect the burn and manage pain with over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen. If the burn is severe, seek medical assistance.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| First thing to do | Remove hand from the hot pan or pot |
| What to use to protect your hand | Towel or oven mitts |
| What not to use to cool the burn | Ice or cold water |
| Burn severity | First-degree, second-degree, third-degree |
| First-degree burn symptoms | Redness, pain, swelling of the skin |
| Second-degree burn symptoms | Intense pain, swelling, blistering |
| Third-degree burn symptoms | White appearance, nerve damage |
| How to reduce pain and prevent deeper tissue damage | Cool first-degree burns immediately with cool running water for 10-15 mins or a cool, damp cloth |
| How to clean the burn | Use a mild soap and cool water, pat dry with a clean towel or sterile gauze |
| How to protect the burn from infection | Apply a sterile, non-stick dressing or a clean cloth |
| How to manage pain | Acetaminophen or ibuprofen |
| When to seek medical assistance | Burns are large or affect sensitive areas, burn around eyes, nose or mouth, signs of infection such as oozing, pain, swelling and redness |
What You'll Learn
Run cool water on the burn
If you burn your hand on a pan, it is important to act fast. Here is what you should do:
Place the burned area under running water that is slightly colder than room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the pain eases. A cool, clean, damp towel or cloth can also be used. The sooner and longer a burn is cooled with water, the less the impact of the injury. Running cool water on the burn will help reduce pain, swelling and the risk of scarring.
Remove tight items
Be aware that the burned area may swell. Remove any tight items, such as rings or clothing, from the burned area as quickly as possible. This will prevent the jewellery from getting uncomfortably tight, cutting off proper circulation, or digging into the skin.
Monitor the burn
After treating the burn, continue to monitor it to make sure it does not become infected. Burns can become worse over the course of a few hours. Signs of infection include pus or discharge, swelling, purple skin, or fever. If the burn becomes infected, seek medical treatment.
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Remove rings or tight items
It is imperative to act fast when treating a burn to prevent further damage. If you've burned your hand on a pan, one of the first things you should do is remove any tight items such as rings or clothing from the burned area. This is because burns can cause swelling, which could cause jewelry to become uncomfortably tight, restrict proper circulation, or even dig into the skin. Removing rings or other tight items from the affected area as quickly as possible can help prevent these issues and reduce discomfort.
If you are unable to remove a ring due to swelling or other complications, seek medical attention. Thermal ring injuries can be rare, but they do occur and can be managed through conservative treatment and possibly delayed closure. In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary. It is important to be aware of the potential risks associated with thermal ring injuries and to act promptly to manage the injury effectively.
Additionally, if you experience a rash or skin irritation under your ring, this could be due to contact dermatitis or occlusion dermatitis. Removing your ring, cleaning it professionally, and keeping your hands moisturized may help alleviate these issues. Applying clear nail polish to the inside of your ring band can also prevent allergic reactions if you are sensitive to certain metals.
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Do not break blisters
It is generally best not to break a blister caused by a burn. Blisters are the body's way of protecting the underlying burnt skin while it heals.
If the blister does break, it is important to clean it with mild soap and water. Then, apply an antibiotic ointment and cover the area with a bandage or gauze.
If you have a severe burn, seek medical attention immediately.
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Apply an antibiotic ointment
If you have burned your hand on a pan, it is important to act fast. After cooling the burn under running water for 10-15 minutes, removing any tight items like jewellery from the area, and cleaning the wound with mild soap and water if the blister has popped, you should apply an antibiotic ointment.
Antibiotic ointments are a popular option for treating burns as they are easy to find, relatively inexpensive, and can be applied two to three times per day or whenever you change your dressing. They create a barrier that keeps your dressing from sticking to the wound and protects your skin from damage.
Popular over-the-counter antibiotic ointments include:
- Polysporin
- Neosporin
- Bacitracin zinc
- Neomycin sulfate
You can also use silver sulfadiazine, which is an antibacterial cream available by prescription. However, it is not safe for pregnant or nursing people or babies younger than two months old.
After applying the antibiotic ointment, cover the burn with a bandage or gauze. Change the dressing one to two times a day and anytime it gets dirty or wet.
If you notice signs of infection, such as worsening redness, swelling, pus, fever, or increased pain, seek medical attention immediately.
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Take a pain reliever
If you've burned your hand on a pan, one of the first things you should do is run it under cool water for 10 to 20 minutes. After that, you can take a pain reliever to help manage the pain. Here are some detailed instructions on how to do that:
Choose an appropriate pain reliever
Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen (e.g. Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), or acetaminophen (Tylenol) are all considered safe for short-term use and can help ease the pain from a burn.
Check the dosage
Be sure to read the label for the correct dosage. It's important to follow the instructions on the packaging to ensure you're taking the correct amount.
Take the medication as directed
You can take the pain reliever orally, following the dosage instructions on the packaging. It's important to take the medication as directed and not exceed the recommended dosage.
Monitor your symptoms
After taking the pain reliever, continue to monitor your symptoms. If the pain persists or worsens, or if you notice any other concerning symptoms, such as increased redness, swelling, or oozing, seek medical attention.
Know when to see a doctor
While minor burns can often be treated at home, it's important to know when to seek medical care. If the burn is severe, covers a large area, involves the face, hands, feet, groin, or buttocks, or shows signs of infection, it's best to see a doctor. Additionally, if you haven't had a tetanus shot in the last 10 years, it's recommended to see your healthcare provider.
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Frequently asked questions
If your hand is still in contact with the pan, remove it carefully using a towel or oven mitts. Then, run your hand under cool water (a little colder than room temperature) for 10-15 minutes or until the pain eases. You can also use a cool, damp towel.
To treat a minor burn, it is important to act fast. Remove any tight items such as rings or clothing from the burned area to prevent swelling. Do not break a blister if it is bigger than your little fingernail. If the blister does break, clean it with mild soap and water, apply an antibiotic ointment, and cover it with a bandage or gauze. You can apply aloe vera gel or a pain relief gel for temporary relief. Keep the wound covered with a loose dressing to reduce pain.
Seek medical assistance if the burn is large or affects sensitive areas such as the eyes, nose, or mouth. Additionally, seek care if the burn shows signs of infection, such as oozing, increased pain, redness, and swelling, or if the symptoms worsen. For major burns, call for emergency medical help.
