Burns from household items like curling irons are common, often resulting in minor skin injuries. While many are superficial, understanding appropriate care steps is important to promote healing and prevent complications. Knowing immediate actions and beneficial products can significantly aid recovery.
Initial Burn Care
First, cool the affected area. Immediately hold the burn under cool, not cold, running water for at least 10 to 20 minutes. This stops the burning process, reduces pain, and minimizes swelling. Continuous water flow efficiently draws heat away from the injured tissue.
As the burn cools, assess its appearance. Minor burns, often called first-degree, typically cause redness and pain, affecting only the outermost skin layer. A second-degree burn may present with redness, swelling, and blistering. Remove any jewelry or restrictive clothing from the affected area, as swelling can occur quickly.
Recommended Topical Applications
After cooling, certain topical applications can aid healing and provide relief for minor curling iron burns. Pure aloe vera gel is beneficial, known for its soothing and moisturizing properties. Aloe vera can reduce inflammation, promote skin regeneration, accelerate healing, and minimize scarring. Apply a thin layer directly onto the cooled burn.
Petroleum jelly, like Vaseline, can also be applied to minor burns. It acts as a protective barrier, keeping the burn moisturized and preventing dressings from sticking. Apply a thin layer two to three times daily. Mild antibiotic ointments, such as bacitracin or triple antibiotic blends (e.g., Neosporin), can prevent infection in minor burns. Apply these in a thin layer after cleaning the burn, then cover the area with a non-stick sterile bandage.
Substances to Avoid
Avoid certain common household items and practices when treating a curling iron burn, as they can cause harm. Never apply ice or ice-cold water directly to a burn. Extreme cold can damage tissue, reduce blood flow, and lead to frostnip or frostbite, worsening the injury.
Avoid applying butter, oils, toothpaste, or other greasy substances. These can trap heat within the skin, intensifying the burn and slowing healing. Food products like butter can also introduce bacteria, increasing infection risk. Cotton balls should not be used on burns, as their fibers can stick to the wound and cause damage upon removal.
When to Get Professional Help
While many curling iron burns are minor and manageable at home, know when to seek professional medical attention. Consult a healthcare provider if the burn appears deep, larger than 2 to 3 inches (about 5 to 7.6 cm) wide, or covers sensitive areas such as the face, hands, feet, groin, or a major joint. Burns that look leathery, charred, or have white, brown, or black patches require immediate medical evaluation.
Seek medical attention if signs of infection develop, including increasing pain, redness spreading from the burn, swelling, pus or drainage, a foul odor, or fever. Any burn on a baby, young child, elderly person, or someone with a compromised immune system or underlying health conditions should be assessed by a medical professional.