What should I do if it itches after a burn?

Written by Wang Xiang Li
Emergency Medicine
Updated on February 15, 2025
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Itchy after scalding may be a mild itching sensation that appears during the wound healing process. This situation does not require deliberate treatment. With timely medication and dressing changes, the itchy feeling can gradually subside as the skin at the wound site heals. However, if redness and mild suppuration occur at the wound site, this indicates an allergic infection. In such cases, it is recommended to clean and disinfect with iodophor, followed by the external application of antibacterial medication and dressing, which can help treat the infection and promote healing at the site. If necessary, oral cephalosporin medications can be taken for combined treatment, which is more conducive to promoting healing. Additionally, during the recovery period, it is important to keep the wound dry and sanitary, avoid contact with water, and not consume spicy and irritating foods, to avoid affecting the healing of the wound.

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Written by Wang Xiang Li
Emergency Medicine
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Can soy sauce be used for burns?

After a burn, do not apply soy sauce because it contains a high amount of salt, which can aggravate the severity of the burn. Additionally, soy sauce may not be clean and could possibly contaminate the wound with bacteria, leading to infection. However, consuming soy sauce does not significantly affect the healing of burns. The correct practice is to immediately soak the burned area with running tap water or cold water for about half an hour, then observe if there are any blisters or similar conditions. You can apply some burn moisturizing cream for further treatment. Generally, the wound should be treated with exposure therapy, and in severe cases of burns, skin grafting or flap surgery might be considered.

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Written by Li Xiao Lin
Emergency Department
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What should I do if it keeps burning after a scald?

After a burn, if there is persistent burning pain, you can first rinse with running cold water until the pain eases. Then apply toothpaste, aloe, or camphor oil on the surface of the burn to cool and relieve pain, alleviating symptoms. If necessary, cover the burned area with a sterile gauze and then apply ice. This can help relieve pain. If needed, pain relief medication such as painkillers or celecoxib can be taken orally. If the pain is severe, you can also go to the hospital for an intramuscular injection of dexamethasone or butorphanol to relieve symptoms. Also, pay attention to diet; avoid spicy, stimulating foods and foods that cause inflammation. Drink plenty of water and eat fresh vegetables and fruits. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a physician.)

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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.

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Written by Li Xiao Lin
Emergency Department
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Why does a burn from oil swell?

Being scalded by oil belongs to high-temperature burns, which can cause degeneration and necrosis of skin and tissues, followed by an inflammatory reaction leading to the leakage of fluids and localized swelling. Additionally, in a high-temperature state, local blood vessels will dilate. This dilation can lead to congestion, and the increased pressure causes water to seep into the tissues, thus causing localized swelling. Therefore, after being scalded by oil, it is necessary to rinse with cold water for at least 30 minutes, or until the pain eases, to lower the local temperature, reduce pain and swelling, and alleviate symptoms. Furthermore, when necessary, disinfection and protection measures should be taken, and cold compresses can be applied to reduce swelling.

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Written by Li Xiao Lin
Emergency Department
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What should not be eaten when a finger is scalded?

It is advised not to eat spicy and irritating foods for burns on fingers, and to avoid smoking and drinking alcohol. It is recommended to drink more water regularly, consume more fresh vegetables and fruits, supplement vitamins, and eat foods high in protein and energy that are easy to digest. Enhancing nutrition can promote the recovery and improvement of burn tissues. Concurrently, it is necessary to engage in relevant targeted treatments such as medication changes, anti-infection measures, and gauze protection. It is also advised to reduce the activity of the affected limb to avoid worsening the injury.