How to Treat a Kitchen Burn

The kitchen is full of ways to burn yourself. Touch a hot stove, drop the coffee pot, or stand too close to a saucepan about to boil over, and you could get a serious burn. Some kitchen burns are easy to treat by yourself--just cool the burn and prevent infection. Others, such as steam, electrical, or large, deep burns, require immediate medical help.

Things You'll Need

• Cold water
• Gauze bandage

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Instructions

• 1

  Determine the degree of the burn. First degree burns are those in which only the outer layer of skin is burned. With second degree burns, the first and second layers of skin are affected and blisters appear on the skin. Third degree burns require professional, medical attention as they involve all layers of skin and can cause permanent tissue damage.

• 2

  Soak burn in cold water within a minute and hold for 30 minutes to prevent it from spreading and to lessen its depth. Do not use ice; this can cause frostbite.

• 3

  Cover the burn with a gauze bandage. Avoid cotton which can irritate the skin. Wrap the bandage loosely so as not to put pressure on the burn.

• 4

  Take a pain reliever such as acetaminophen.

• 5

  Measure the burn. If it is more than three inches across in any direction, see a doctor.

• 6

  Watch for signs of infection. These include increased pain, redness, fever, swelling and oozing. If you suspect infection, see a doctor.