How to treat oil burns?

Written by Wang Xiang Li
Emergency Medicine
Updated on January 05, 2025
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After being scalded by oil, it is necessary to quickly rinse the affected area with plenty of cold water or running tap water to alleviate pain, and then thoroughly disinfect it with iodophor.

If blisters form after a scald, for smaller blisters, applying a moist burn cream can promote the healing of the wound. Small blisters generally can be absorbed on their own. If there are large blisters, you should first use a sterile syringe to aspirate the fluid inside the blister, while preserving the blister skin. At the same time, applying burn moistening cream to the surface can prevent infection. If the epidermis is broken, it is necessary to go to a formal hospital for treatment promptly.

After a scald, it is important to eat lightly, consume more vegetables and fruits, and eat high-protein, nutritious foods to promote the healing of the wound. Do not eat spicy and irritating foods, drink plenty of water, avoid getting the wound wet to prevent infection, and change dressings according to the doctor's instructions.

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Written by Wang Xiang Li
Emergency Medicine
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How to treat a cold burn?

Low-temperature burns generally refer to chronic burns caused by prolonged contact with low-heat objects, such as hot water bottles, heaters, metal hand warmers, etc. These low-temperature heating devices, when in close contact for a long time, can easily cause skin burns, especially in the elderly and infants, who are more prone to local skin damage. Therefore, once a low-temperature burn occurs, it is important to cool the affected area promptly, including soaking and rinsing with cold water to achieve cooling and pain relief effects. Afterwards, the wound can be disinfected with iodophor and treated with burn medication. Mild low-temperature burns will gradually heal. Additionally, if significant skin damage has occurred, it may be necessary to consider using medications in combination, such as erythromycin ointment, all of which can help promote recovery of the affected area.

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Written by Huang Ling Juan
Dermatology
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What should I do if I get a burn on my face?

If a burn occurs on the face, first rinse the burned area with running tap water or immerse the burned part of the face in a basin of tap water to promptly reduce the temperature of the burn site and lessen heat damage to the deeper tissues. Be sure the water is not too cold and generally rinse or soak for about 30 minutes, until the pain at the wound site significantly eases, and then rinsing or soaking may be discontinued. After rinsing or soaking in cool water, observe the burned area. If the burn site is slightly purple and red, you can apply some burn ointment at home. If there are obvious blisters or the skin is broken, protect the burn site with a clean towel and go to the nearest hospital burn department for professional medical treatment quickly. Be sure to protect the blisters on the burn site to avoid bursting them.

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Written by Chen Xiao Jun
Emergency Department
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How to deal with a burn on the finger that has not broken the skin

After accidentally burning a finger, even if the skin isn't broken, it should be treated quickly to prevent further absorption of heat and further damage to the skin, soft tissue, and muscles. Many skin and soft tissue burns can appear after a period of time. The burned finger should be immediately rinsed with ice water or cold water, for about 20-30 minutes. If there are ice cubes available at home, they can be used to locally apply ice. This can quickly and effectively reduce the heat damage to the skin and soft tissues, improve the prognosis, shorten the course of treatment, and at the same time, attention should be paid to prevent infection.

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Written by Li Xiao Lin
Emergency Department
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Can a burnt finger heal?

Whether a burnt finger can heal depends on the severity of the burn; we cannot generalize. If the burn affects only the epidermis, it should heal quite well and can fully recover. However, if the burn reaches the dermis beneath the skin, healing can still occur but will take longer and may leave some complications and scarring. Scarring can restrict movement of the finger and affect its appearance. If the burn is very deep, below the dermis, and affects nerves and blood vessels, the healing capacity will be significantly reduced. Healing may be poor, affecting the function or mobility of the finger, leading to severe impairment similar to paralysis. In severe cases, amputation might be necessary.

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Written by Huang Ling Juan
Dermatology
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How to deal with a skin scald that has broken the skin?

After a skin burn breaks the skin, if the area is relatively small and there is no obvious swelling, a moisturizing burn ointment can be applied. If the area is larger and accompanied by some exudation and swelling, it is necessary to go to the hospital for timely treatment. Under the guidance of a doctor, antibiotic ointment should be applied, and oral antibiotics should be taken. Common choices include Cefalexin, Cefradine dispersible tablets, and erythromycin for anti-infection treatment. Antibiotics can be used if there is no allergic reaction to them. If severe burn symptoms occur, combined with serious infections, swelling, and significant exudation, it is crucial to go to the hospital for medical treatment immediately. Severe cases may require hospitalization. Do not scratch the skin yourself, and avoid spicy and irritating food.