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How to treat accidental skin burn caused by hot water?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I got my skin burn on hot water, by accidentally hitting the electrical heater. What to do?

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

How old is the burn, how much body area is involved, and how severe the burn is? Does it pain?

Let us say if it just happened and is not severe and is superficial, covering small areas, then nursing care is most important. Avoid occlusive dressing. Any deep burn should be shown to the surgeon because it needs expert care to avoid scar and infection.

If a lot of areas are covered, then also you should start some antibiotics to avoid infection, but it needs evaluation.

Nursing care involves cooling but avoid direct application. Cleaning with Povidone, if contaminated and pain management by Paracetamol and NSAIDs (non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like Diclofenac, is usually sufficient.

No steroid application. The itch may be controlled with Levocetirizine.

I hope this helps.

Medically reviewed byiCliniq medical review team

Published At October 17, 2019
Reviewed AtJune 3, 2024

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