Hot oil burns, often occurring during cooking, involve the skin coming into contact with superheated oil. These incidents can lead to various degrees of tissue damage, from minor redness to more severe injuries. Understanding correct first aid is important to minimize the burn’s impact and prevent complications.
Immediate Actions for Hot Oil Burns
Immediately move the affected area away from the heat source to stop the burning process. The most effective initial treatment is to cool the burn quickly with cool, running water. Hold the burned skin under cool (not cold or icy) tap water for at least 10 to 20 minutes to reduce pain and prevent further tissue damage.
While cooling, gently remove any clothing or jewelry from the affected area, unless it is stuck to the skin. Do this quickly before swelling progresses. After cooling, cover the burn loosely with a clean, non-stick dressing, such as sterile gauze or plastic film. This helps shield the injured skin from infection and irritants. Elevating the burned area, if possible, can also help reduce swelling and discomfort.
Common Mistakes and What to Avoid
Never use butter, cooking oils, ice, toothpaste, or egg whites on a burn. These substances can trap heat within the skin, intensifying the damage. Greasy substances also prevent heat from escaping and can foster bacterial growth, increasing infection risk.
Using ice or extremely cold water can cause further tissue damage by constricting blood vessels. Toothpaste can irritate the wound and increase infection risk. Avoid popping blisters, as they provide a natural protective barrier against infection.
Recognizing When to Seek Medical Help
Seek immediate medical attention if the burn is larger than 3 inches (about 8 centimeters) or bigger than the palm of your hand. Burns that appear charred, white, leathery, or have deep blistering suggest a more severe injury.
Medical care is also necessary if the burn is on sensitive areas such as the face, hands, feet, genitals, or over major joints. Signs of infection, like increasing pain, redness, swelling, or pus, warrant a doctor’s visit. Children, the elderly, or individuals with underlying health conditions like diabetes should have any burn assessed by a healthcare professional.
Ongoing Care and Recovery
After initial first aid, ongoing care supports healing. Keep the burned area clean by gently washing it with mild soap and water daily. Cover the burn with a sterile, non-stick dressing, changing it once a day, to protect it from injury and infection.
Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help manage discomfort. Monitor the burn for signs of infection, such as increased pain, redness, swelling, fever, or foul-smelling discharge. If the burn does not heal within two to three weeks, or if any concerning symptoms develop, consult a healthcare provider.