First Aid For Steam Burns: Quick Kitchen Safety Guide

Steam burns are a common type of burn caused by hot water vapour or hot liquids. They can affect any exposed area of skin, as well as the eyes, nose, mouth, and windpipe. In the kitchen, steam burns can occur from spilling hot water, being engulfed by steam, or pulling something hot out of the microwave. To treat a steam burn, it's important to first remove the source of the burn and run cool water over the affected area for at least 20 minutes. Then, cover the burn with a dry, sterile dressing and seek medical attention if necessary.

Run cool water over the burn for 20 minutes

If you've suffered a steam burn, the first thing to do is remove the source of the burn. Turn off the heat and move away from the steam. Then, run cool tap water over the burn. It's important to do this as soon as possible to cool down the affected area and stop the burn from worsening. Keep the water running for at least 20 minutes, even if the burn starts to feel better. This is the only way to completely stop the burn process. If you don't have access to a tap, use bottled water or any other cool liquid.

The cool water will reduce the temperature of the burn and prevent further damage. Continue flushing the injury with water until the skin feels cool to the touch. If the burn is on your face, sit upright to help reduce swelling.

After 20 minutes, you can gently pat the area dry with a clean towel. Do not rub the skin, as this may cause further irritation. If the burn is severe or covers a large area, seek medical attention.

It's important to act quickly and effectively when treating a steam burn. By following these steps, you can help to minimise the damage and promote healing.

Cover the burn with a clean, dry cloth

If you've suffered a steam burn when cooking, it's important to act quickly and calmly. Here's what you should do:

Firstly, remove the heat source immediately. Move away from the stove or appliance emitting steam. Turn off the heat source if it's safe to do so. The burning process will continue even after the source of heat has been removed, so the next step is crucial.

Run cool tap water over the burn. Keep the burn under the water until the skin feels cool to the touch. It's important to continue even if the pain starts to subside. You may need to do this for up to 20 minutes. This step is crucial to stopping the burn from getting worse.

Now, cover the burn with a clean, dry cloth. Do not use any creams, ointments, or home remedies on the burn. Keep the burn covered and dry. If the burn is on your hand, you may want to use a sterile dressing to keep it covered.

Remove any clothing, jewellery, or metal from the burned area. These objects can retain heat, causing further damage to the skin. They can also hide underlying burns, so it's important to remove them to assess the extent of the injury.

Assess the severity of the burn. Burns are classified as first, second, or third-degree. First-degree burns are identified by redness and a lack of blisters. Second-degree burns have many small blisters and cause significant pain. Third-degree burns are full-thickness burns, with skin sloughing or shedding. If the burn is larger than your fist, seek medical attention immediately.

If the burn is on your face or eyes, sit upright to help reduce swelling. If the burn is in a sensitive area, or covers more than 9% of the body, call emergency services.

Keep the burn covered and dry, changing the dressing daily. Keep the dressing on for at least 10 days, or until the wound has started to heal. During this time, you can take over-the-counter pain medication to manage any discomfort.

If you experience any signs of infection, such as fever, drainage, pus, or changes in the appearance of the wound, seek medical attention.

Remove clothing and jewellery from the area

If you've suffered a steam burn, your first step should be to remove the heat source and run cool water over the affected area for at least 20 minutes. This will help to stop the burning process and prevent further injury. It's important to act quickly and not wait until the patient starts to feel better.

Once you've cooled the burn, the next step is to remove any clothing, diapers, jewellery, or metal from the burned area. This is important for several reasons. Firstly, these items can retain heat, which can increase skin damage. Secondly, they can hide underlying burns, making it difficult to assess the true extent of the injury. By removing these items, you can better evaluate the severity of the burn and provide appropriate treatment.

When removing clothing and jewellery from the burned area, it's important to be gentle and careful. If any items are stuck to the skin, do not force them off as this can cause further damage. Instead, carefully cut around the items to free them from the skin.

It's also important to note that metal jewellery, in particular, can retain heat and continue to burn the skin even after the initial injury. Therefore, it's crucial to remove all metal items from the area as soon as possible.

In addition to removing clothing and jewellery, it's important to keep the burned area clean and dry. This will help prevent infection and promote healing. It's recommended to cover the burn with a clean, dry cloth or bandage and change the dressing daily. If the burn is severe or covers a large area, it's important to seek medical attention right away.

Call emergency services if the burn is severe

If you or someone else has suffered a severe steam burn, it is important to act quickly and call the emergency services. Here are some steps to follow:

When to Call Emergency Services

Call 911 or your local emergency number if the burn covers a large area of the body. The rule of nines can help you decide if emergency services are needed. According to this rule, 9% of the body is roughly equivalent to the area from one leg below the knee. If the burn covers more than 9% of the body, it is considered a large burn, and emergency services should be called.

Additionally, if the burn is on the face, eyes, or another sensitive area, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention. Burns to these areas can be particularly dangerous and may require specialized treatment.

If the person with the burn starts to experience shortness of breath at any time after the steam injury, this could indicate steam in the throat causing swelling in the airway, even hours after the initial injury. Call emergency services immediately in such cases.

First Aid for Severe Steam Burns

While waiting for emergency services to arrive, there are some important first aid steps you should take to help the person with the severe burn:

• Stop the burning process: Immediately turn off or remove the heat source. Move the injured person away from the steam to prevent further injury.
• Cool the burn: Run cool tap water over the burned area for at least 20 minutes. This will help reduce the temperature of the burn and prevent further tissue damage.
• Cover the burn: Use a clean, dry dressing or cloth to cover the burn wounds. Do not apply any creams, ointments, or other home remedies to the burn.
• Remove restrictive items: Remove any clothing, jewelry, or metal items from the burned area. These items can retain heat and increase skin damage.
• Monitor breathing: Keep a close eye on the person's breathing. If they become short of breath, it could indicate a serious complication from inhaling steam, and emergency services should be called immediately.

Remember, severe burns can be life-threatening, and it is always better to err on the side of caution. If you have any doubts about the severity of the burn or if the person's condition worsens, don't hesitate to call for emergency medical assistance.

Prevent burns by using oven mitts and keeping children away from the stove

Steam burns are a common type of burn caused by hot water vapour or liquid. They can occur on any exposed area of skin, as well as the eyes, nose, mouth, and windpipe.

To prevent steam burns, it is important to keep children away from the stove. Here are some tips to achieve this:

• Establish a child-free zone: Create a zone with a minimum radius of 3 feet around the stove where children are not allowed.
• Use a stove gate: Install a physical barrier, such as a hearth gate, around the stove to prevent children from accessing it.
• Teach children about the dangers: Educate children about the stove being hot and dangerous. Point out that it is hot and off-limits.
• Keep handles turned in: Ensure that pot and pan handles are turned towards the wall or centre of the stove. This prevents children from grabbing them and reduces the risk of spills.
• Keep a tidy kitchen: A clean and organised kitchen makes it easier to move around and reduces the risk of tripping or knocking things over.

In addition to keeping children away from the stove, it is crucial to use oven mitts when handling hot items. Here are some tips for using oven mitts safely:

• Keep oven mitts dry: Moisture on oven mitts can cause steam burns when exposed to heat. Always use dry oven mitts.
• Choose the right type of oven mitt: Opt for insulated, silicone, or leather oven mitts. Avoid cloth mitts, as they may not provide sufficient protection.
• Inspect oven mitts regularly: Check for any holes or damage before use. Damaged oven mitts may not provide adequate protection.
• Have multiple oven mitts: Use double oven mitts or keep a backup pair to ensure adequate protection.
• Be mindful of limitations: Even with oven mitts, be aware of the limitations and act quickly when handling hot items.

By following these tips and staying vigilant, you can effectively prevent burns and keep yourself and your children safe in the kitchen.

Frequently asked questions