What to do if you are scalded by hot water

In daily life, we may get scalded by hot water due to carelessness, especially hands and feet are most likely to be scalded. So what should we do if we get scalded? Let’s talk about how to provide first aid when someone is scalded by hot water. It should be noted here that scalding by hot water is a complicated situation. It may be a minor scald or a severe scald, and the treatment methods should be different.

If it is a minor burn, you can treat it yourself at home and there is no need to go to the hospital for further treatment. For example, after being scalded, the skin just turns red, but there are no blisters or breaks. Then quickly rinse the scalded area with tap water. This will help dissipate local heat, constrict the blood vessels in the skin, prevent blisters, relieve pain, and prevent the formation of scars.

When rinsing with tap water, do not use too strong a stream of water. If you cannot find tap water, you can also immerse your hands in iced drinks. If it is a more serious burn, with severe skin damage, a large wound, or the skin turns dark red and blisters appear, do not rinse with cold water in this case, otherwise it can easily lead to infection.

The injured area should be covered with sterilized medical gauze immediately and go to the hospital for treatment in time. If only blisters appear, the doctor will often use a syringe to draw out the fluid in the blisters, and the blisters will disappear naturally without any signs of burns. Here you must pay special attention to one issue. Before seeing a doctor, do not scratch the blisters with your hands. If the blisters break, it can easily lead to wound infection.

Do not drink too much water during the treatment, otherwise edema will occur at the burned area. During the treatment of burns, do not eat foods that are too dark in color, such as soy sauce, otherwise it will easily lead to pigmentation, which will leave obvious scars and marks on the burn wound after healing. Also, avoid eating foods that easily cause irritation, such as peanuts and chili peppers, as they will affect the healing speed of the wound.