Hot water scald is an accident that causes a scald wound, which is a cut and pain from hot water or steam touching the skin. It may cause the skin to become red, swollen, peeling, or blistering. It can be treated at home initially, but in severe cases, a doctor may be needed.
Symptoms of hot water scald
Scalds can cause the patient to feel pain on the skin and cause the skin to become red, peel, turn pale, rot, or swollen. The severity is divided into 3 levels, starting from a shallow wound at the epidermis, which is the outermost layer of the skin, which may cause the skin to be slightly red, swollen, and painful, but does not cause a blister. A shallow wound at the dermis, which is a wound that causes damage from the epidermis deep to the dermis above, and may cause the skin to turn pale pink, be painful, and may have small blisters. A relatively deep wound is a wound that causes damage to both the dermis and the epidermis, causing the skin to turn red and look like a spot. The skin may swell, blister, and be very painful.
Causes of hot water scalds
Scalds are often the result of accidents, most commonly in the kitchen. They can easily happen to children under 5 years of age, especially when they reach or tiptoe to grab a cup or glass of hot beverage. They can also be caused by other things, such as:
- Accidents from contact with oven or microwave fumes
- Do not accidentally touch a kettle, rice cooker, or any heating appliance.
- In the restaurant business, especially in the kitchen, where hot water is used to clean various cooking equipment to prevent the growth of bacteria.
Diagnosis of hot water scald
Doctors can diagnose this condition from a history of exposure to hot water or steam and will examine the wound area, check the size and depth of the wound to consider treatment methods. If the symptoms are not severe, patients usually do not need to see a doctor. However, in cases where symptoms are severe, such as a wound larger than the palm of the hand, blistering, or requiring treatment from a doctor, patients should see a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Treatment of Hot Water
Burns Most hot water burns are not serious and can be treated at home. Hot water burns can take some time to heal. For mild burns, it may take only a few days, but for more severe burns, it may take up to a week to heal completely.
The initial treatment and self-care methods are as follows:
- Quickly remove the scalded organ from the hot water or the area that caused the scald to prevent further injury.
- Use cold water to wash the scalded area for at least 20 minutes, but do not use ice, ice-filled water, or oil-based substances to clean the wound. During this time, try to keep the patient’s body warm to bring the body temperature back to normal.
- Do not immerse yourself in cold water if you have been scalded over a large area with hot water, as this can cause the body to lose heat and cause more severe symptoms.
- Remove jewelry and clothing that is close to the scalded area to reduce skin temperature and provide space in case of swelling.
- Cover the wound with a bandage or clean cloth.
- If possible, the scald wound should be elevated above the level of the heart.
- If there is a blister, do not pick at it.
However, if the patient has a large wound or suspects that there is an infection, they should see a doctor immediately. Initially, the doctor will clean the wound and cover it. In some cases, the doctor may prescribe painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen . However, if other symptoms are found, the doctor will consider treating the symptoms.
Complications of hot water scald
Burns from hot water scalds can lead to various complications, such as:
- Infection If the scald blistered and burst and the patient did not clean it well enough, germs could enter the wound and cause infection. There may be some symptoms that are signs of infection, such as increased pain, a foul odor, a high fever of 38 degrees Celsius or higher, red and swollen skin, etc.
- Scarring:Scarring may occur after the wound has healed, which can be reduced by applying a moisturizing cream or using a sunscreen with a high UV protection to protect the affected area.
Preventing Scalds Scalds
are easily preventable, simply by being extra careful when cooking or boiling water, especially when children are around. The following suggestions may be helpful:
- Before giving your child a hot bath, check the water temperature with your hand or elbow to make sure it is at the right temperature. Start by adding cold water and then hot water.
- Keep children away from hot tubs and faucets.
- Set the temperature of the hot water used for bathing so that it is not too hot.
- Keep hot liquids out of reach of children and keep small children away from the kitchen.
- Avoid drinking hot beverages when infants or young children are around.
- Do not allow young children to drink hot drinks with straws.
- When children are old enough, they should be taught how to use various kitchen tools correctly.
- Do not rush while cooking. Take it slow to prevent hot water from splattering or other accidents. If the water in the pot boils, move the pot to the innermost burner.
