Author
Bowtie Team
Updated on
2025-08-05
Disclaimer: This article is translated with the assistance of AI.
Accidents happen—a moment’s carelessness can lead to a painful burn. Mishandle it, and you risk scars or nasty infections! Burned? Wondering about ointments or blisters? Bowtie’s experts share the right way to treat burns effectively!
Difference Between Scalds and Burns
Scalds are common household accidents, referring to injuries caused by hot liquids or steam; while burns refer to injuries caused by dry heat from flames, electricity, hot objects, radiation, sun exposure, chemical corrosives, and the like.
Severity and Assessment of Scalds and Burns
Scalds or burns can be classified into the following 4 degrees:
| Degree of Scald/Burn | Affected Area | Wound Symptoms | Healing Time |
| First-degree | Epidermis | Redness, warmth, intense pain and sensitivity | 3 to 5 days, no scarring |
| Second-degree | Epidermis and underlying skin layers | Redness, pain, blisters | 14 to 21 days, with scarring |
| Third-degree | Epidermis and dermis | Appears white, blackened, and charred | Requires skin grafting to heal the wound |
| Fourth-degree | Skin and underlying tissues, possibly involving muscles and bones | Nerve endings are destroyed, causing loss of sensation in the area | Results in functional impairment |
In addition, for adults, the severity can also be assessed based on the area of the injury.
A common method is the Rule of Nines, which divides the body into 9 regions, each with different percentage proportions:
- Head and neck: 9%
- Back and waist: 18%
- Chest and abdomen: 18%
- Each upper limb: 9%
- Each lower limb: 18%
- Genitals: 1%
If the injured area covers only a small portion of the divided regions, you can measure it with the palm; one palm of the injured person (excluding fingers) is approximately equal to 1%.
3 Steps for Burn Treatment
In case of a burn, follow these 3 steps to cool it down and treat the wound:
- First, rinse the injured area with cold water for 10 minutes to help cool it and ease the pain
- Gently remove jewelry and tight clothing near the wound
- Lightly cover the burn with clean gauze to prevent bacterial infection
If the injury is severe—with skin turning white or charred, loss of sensation, or burns on the head or neck—seek medical help immediately.
What to Apply on Burns?
Avoid applying medicated oil, Vaseline, toothpaste, soy sauce, burn cream, soap, cooking oil, or other chemicals to the wound, as they can worsen it. Also, don’t use sticky materials like adhesive tape to wrap the wound.
How to Handle Burn Blisters or White Areas?
If blisters form, don’t pop them, as this can lead to bacterial infection. They usually fade on their own within a week. For large blisters or those affecting daily life, consult a doctor. They’ll safely drain the fluid under strict disinfection and treat the wound carefully.
Poor Handling Causes Burn Scars?
Second-degree or higher burns, if mishandled, can leave scars. To avoid them, keep these tips in mind:
- Don’t apply ice directly to the wound to avoid damaging cell tissue
- If clothing sticks to the wound, don’t force it off to prevent tearing the skin
- Don’t burst blisters
- Avoid applying chemicals to the wound, as they can introduce bacteria and cause severe inflammation
- Don’t wrap the wound directly with sticky dressings like cotton or tape
Ways to Prevent Burns?
In daily life, watch out for these to avoid accidental burns to yourself and family. Stay alert around kitchen stoves and hot tools. Other tips include:
- Place hot items like teapots, kettles, or thermos bottles securely, not on table edges
- When cooking, turn utensil handles toward the wall or inward to avoid knocking them over
- Handle hot oil, boiling water, or soup with care
- Open pot lids cautiously to avoid sudden steam bursts
- Wear heat-resistant gloves when handling hot items
- Check food or drink temperatures before eating or drinking
- Test bathwater temperature first
- Store matches and lighters safely, and teach kids not to play with fire
- Use heaters carefully in winter; keep clothes away and avoid indoor fires for warmth
- Store flammable or chemical items properly, away from stoves
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