Hot water burns many people when they are cooking or taking a shower. How long does a burn from hot water heal? Find out the answer below.
Burns caused by hot water or steam cause excruciating pain, and if hot water is applied to a large area of the body for an extended period of time or burns it directly, complications and permanent damage may result.
In order to relieve the pain of burns caused by hot water and lower the likelihood of serious complications, you must receive the proper care. Find out the duration of the healing of burns with hot water and the most important instructions for dealing with this type of burn as follows:
Duration of healing burns with hot water
The following is the most crucial information regarding how long it takes for burns to heal when using hot water of various temperatures:
1. First-degree burns with hot water
Very slight skin contact with hot water can result in first-degree burns, also known as superficial burns, in which the epidermis, the outermost layer of skin, is damaged.
A first-degree burn's signs and symptoms include scaling of the burn, immediate pain that lasts for a few hours, and redness of the skin.
Burns of the first degree that are treated with hot water take several days to heal.
2. Second-degree burns with hot water
Second-degree burns, in which the epidermis and the dermis, the second layer of skin, are damaged, can result from prolonged contact with hot water on the skin.
Second-degree hot water burns are more severe and cause a number of symptoms, such as: pain that lasts for days or weeks; skin that looks watery; and a red or pink colour with blisters.
A second-degree hot water burn requires two to three weeks to fully recover, leaving a scar on the skin that could gradually disappear over time.
3. Third-degree burns with hot water
The burn penetrates all layers of skin, making it the most dangerous type. If left untreated, it may also result in serious infections and even be fatal.
Hospitalization is necessary for third-degree burn victims, who may also require skin grafts, surgery, antibiotics, and a protracted recovery period.
Instructions to reduce the healing time of burns with hot water
Here is a set of tips and instructions that help reduce the healing time of burns with hot water, as follows:
- By gently washing it with soap and water, keep the burn clean.
- Do not pop or pick at blisters. because an infected or contaminated blister could become open.
- To keep the burn area moist, apply a thin layer of ointments like Vaseline or aloe vera.
- Avoid using antibiotic ointments, as they may cause allergic reactions.
- Avoid using butter, oil, cortisone, or egg whites as they could exacerbate the condition.
- Use sterile non-adhesive gauze to shield the burn area from pressure and friction, making sure to replace the gauze once per day.
- If you experience any pain, take over-the-counter painkillers like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and naproxen.
- If you experience any allergic skin reaction for two to three days, stop using all soaps, lotions, and ointments.
The need to see a doctor
After identifying the duration of healing burns with hot water, we tell you here about a group of cases that require seeking medical assistance to ensure optimal healing of burns, as follows:
- The burn covers an area greater than 20 centimeters.
- Exposure to hot water burns on the face, hands or genitals.
- The appearance of brown, black or white spots at the burn site.
- If the area around the burn appears red and warm, you may have an infection.
- Clogged pores and the appearance of many pimples in the place of burning as a result of excessive hydration.
- The burn wound continues to open, grow in size, or deepen.