Among the causes of burns--heat, electricity, chemicals and sun exposure--the main culprit is scalding (heat) from hot bathwater, cups of hot liquid that accidentally get tipped over and steam. Before you use home remedies for a steam burn, assess the size and severity of the burn, cautions the National Institutes for Health. Small first-degree burns, in which the skin is merely red and inflamed, can be treated at home. So can some second-degree burns, where blistering is present, as long as they are no more than 2 to 3 inches in diameter. All burns that cover the face, hands, feet, genitals, as well as those over a major joint, should be treated as serious burns and treated by a health care provider. How you respond to a steam burn in the first minutes after it occurs can make all the difference in how quickly it heals.
Cool It
Immediately run cool water over the burn or submerse it in cool water for at least five minutes, advises the National Institutes of Health. Cool water pulls heat out of the burn and reduces swelling. Never put the burned area in ice water or apply ice directly to the injured skin, cautions the Burn Institute; this makes the burn worse. Carefully blot the injured skin dry with a clean towel.
Treat It
Although this home remedy is optional, you may wish to use an antiseptic spray or cream or aloe vera gel or cream on the burn. Whatever you do, don't apply butter, oil or an oil-based topical to the burned skin, cautions the Burn Institute. Oily substances cause the skin to retain heat and makes burns deeper and more susceptible to infection.
Protect It
Apply sterile bandaging to protect the burn--you can use gauze secured with medical tape or a large adhesive bandage. This keeps the air from hitting the wounded skin and protects it from infection, says the American Academy of Family Physicians. After initial treatment, keep burned skin clean by gently washing it with a mild soap, advises the Burn Institute.
Manage Pain
If a steam burn is particularly painful, taking a nonprescription pain reliever, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can reduce discomfort and swelling. The NIH cautions you not to give aspirin to children under 12 years of age.
