Steam and oven burns in the kitchen
Steam carries far more heat than dry air at the same temperature, which is why it burns deeper than people expect.
A blast of steam from a pan lid transfers a great deal of energy very quickly. Treat it as seriously as touching the oven shelf.
Cool it for twenty minutes
Cool running water, not ice. Twenty minutes is the target and it is worth doing even if you start late. Remove rings and watches near the area early, before swelling starts.
Then cover loosely
A non-adherent dressing laid on rather than pressed down. Cling film laid flat over the burn is a reasonable improvisation. Do not wrap tightly, and do not burst blisters.
Seek help for
- Anything larger than the palm of the injured person.
- Burns on hands, face, feet or across a joint.
- Any burn that looks white or leathery, or that is numb — painlessness suggests depth.
- Burns in babies, young children or older adults.
Afterwards
Healing burns itch and are very sensitive to sun. Keep the area covered and out of direct sunlight for several months to limit lasting pigmentation changes.
See a pharmacist, GP or urgent care if a wound will not stop bleeding after ten minutes of firm pressure, is deep or gaping, was caused by something dirty or rusty, contains anything you cannot flush out, or shows spreading redness, heat, swelling, pus or a fever. Get help urgently for animal or human bites, wounds over a joint, and any wound in someone with diabetes or poor circulation.
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FitMedix products are CE-marked medical devices intended for the care of minor wounds. This site does not provide medical advice — seek professional help for deep, dirty or non-healing wounds, or if signs of infection appear. Always read the instructions on the pack.