BURN AND SCALD PREVENTION

A burn injury can occur at any age. Young children and older adults are at the highest risk because they have thin skin. But everyone can be hurt by hot water.  A scald burn is a burn from hot liquid or steam. Know what to do to prevent a painful scald burn from happening in your home.

PREVENT BURNS AND SCALDS IN THE KITCHEN:

• Place objects so that they cannot be pulled down or knocked over.
• Turn pot handles away from the stove’s edge.
• Use dry oven mitts or potholders. Hot cookware can heat moisture in a potholder or hot pad, resulting in a scald burn.
• Wear short, close-fitting or tightly rolled sleeves when cooking.
• Have a “kid-free zone” of at least 3 feet around the stove.
• Open microwaved food slowly, away from the face. Allow microwaved food to cool before eating.

GENERAL FIRST AID FOR BURNS AND SCALDS:

• Treat a burn right away by putting it in cool water. Cool the burn for three to five minutes.
• Cover burn with a clean, dry cloth. Do not apply creams, ointments, sprays or other home remedies.
• Remove all clothing, diapers, jewelry and metal from the burned area.  These can hide underlying burns and retain heat, which can increase skin damage.