Each year, hospital emergency rooms treat about 112,000 people for burns caused by scalding water, according to "USA Today." Many of these injuries are caused by hot tap water in homes where the water heater is set over 120 degrees F. Spilling boiling water from a tea kettle or pot on the stove can also cause burns. Children and the elderly are at greatest risk of being burned by scalding water. Prompt treatment can lessen the damage from burns caused by scalding water.
First Degree Burns
A first degree burn cause pain and redness, but affects only the outer layer of skin and doesn't raise blisters. Run cool water over the burn to ease the pain and stop the burning. Don't use ice, as this could damage the skin, and forget about butter or oil, which do nothing to help. Pat the wound dry and leave it uncovered. Take a mild pain reliever, such as aspirin or acetaminophen, to reduce discomfort.
Second Degree Burns
Second degree burns produce blisters that ooze a clear fluid. The second layer of skin, the dermis, is damaged by these burns. Second degree burns can be very painful, but can also be treated at home if they don't cover more than a few square inches of skin. Run cool water over the burned area for five to 10 minutes. If clothing is stuck to the skin, don't try to remove it right away. Instead, put a cool compress over the fabric for a few minutes, then attempt to remove the clothing. Don't rip it off, as you may take the skin with the fabric. Elevate the burned area above the heart and take a pain reliever. Apply a light coat of antibiotic ointment to the burned area. If pain persists for more than 48 hours or you notice any signs of swelling, redness or infection, see a doctor right away. Any burn on the face should be seen by a physician immediately to help prevent scarring.
Third Degree Burns
Third degree burns are characterized by charring of the skin and a relative lack of pain, since the burn goes deep enough to damage nerve endings. The skin may look very white. Run cool water over the area and try to keep the burned area elevated above the heart. Don't attempt to remove clothing. Get to the emergency room as quickly as possible; if the injured person loses consciousness or has trouble breathing, call 911.
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