Oven and stovetop cooking burns are common, with victims ranging from novices to expert chefs. And while most burns are trivial enough for at-home care, some may pose a serious health issue.
Third degree, or full thickness burns, can happen when exposure to heat source (fire, boiling water, or oven) lasts for more than a few seconds. These burns reach to the fat layer beneath the skin and are the most serious. Third degree burns generally do not blister and may be black, gray, or waxy white.
Seek emergency care for more serious burns and for any burns to the eyes, mouth, hands, and genital areas, even if mild. If the burn covers a large area, get medical attention immediately.
Second-degree burns (also known as partial thickness burns) involve the epidermis and part of the dermis layer of skin. The burn site appears red, blistered, and may be swollen and painful.
Minor burns affecting the outer layer of skin and some of the underlying layer of tissue (superficial dermal burns) normally heal in around 14 days, leaving minimal scarring. If the burn's moderate or severe, you may be referred to a specialist burn care service.
Relief for Minor Burns
After cooling, dry the burn gently and apply a layer of NEOSPORIN® + Burn Relief First Aid Antibiotic Ointment. Protect the burn from rubbing and pressure with non-stick gauze that can be held in place with tape or wrap. Change the dressing daily.
Ice. Although it sounds like common sense to put ice or ice cold water on a burn, this remedy should be skipped. Ice decreases blood flow to the affected area, which can reverse the healing process. It also numbs the pain from the burn, so you might not notice that the skin is getting too cold.
Cover the burn with a clean bandage. Wrap it loosely to avoid putting pressure on burned skin. Bandaging keeps air off the area, reduces pain and protects blistered skin. If needed, take a nonprescription pain reliever, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or acetaminophen (Tylenol, others).
A second-degree burn damages the outer layer of your skin (epidermis) and the second layer of your skin (dermis). It's less severe than a third-degree burn. You can treat most second-degree burns at home.
The size of a burn can be quickly estimated by using the "rule of nines." This method divides the body's surface area into percentages. The front and back of the head and neck equal 9% of the body's surface area. The front and back of each arm and hand equal 9% of the body's surface area.
Most skin burns that are small and first or second degree will heal within one to two weeks and will not usually scar. In some patients with second degree burns, the skin may become darker or lighter in color, and this will return to normal in 6-9 months.
The Vaseline label clearly states that this product is intended for minor burns and, indeed, our research has proved that the product supports the healthy healing of minor burns as it protects the damaged area from bacteria while not interfering with the healing process (see bmj.com for evidence).
For second-degree burns, seek urgent care if: The burn is larger than the palm of your hand. It is on your face, hands, feet, groin, or over a major joint. Blisters are large or numerous.
There is no scientific evidence for using mustard to treat burns. In fact, it may actually irritate your skin further. After applying mustard, your skin may feel warm, but that doesn't mean it's healing your skin.
Place the burned area under running water slightly colder than room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes or until the pain eases. Or put a cool, clean, damp cloth on the burn. Be aware that the burned area may swell. Remove tight items, such as rings or clothing, from the burned area as quickly as possible.
Change in color of the burnt area or surrounding skin. Purplish discoloration, particularly if swelling is also present. Change in thickness of the burn (the burn suddenly extends deep into the skin) Greenish discharge or pus.
Watch the area for signs of infection and keep it clean, dry, and protected. Most first and second-degree burns heal on their own within a few weeks. However, if your second-degree burn is on the face, hands, buttocks, groin, or feet, seek medical help.
The burns will be cleaned, rinsed, and bandaged, especially if the affected area have blisters. Severe cases may require surgery to remove the damaged tissue. Skin grafts may also be required. Third-degree burns always require emergency room treatment and may need surgery from specialists to remove the damaged tissue.
Neosporin (Triple Antibiotic Ointment) is an appropriate treatment option for a minor, uncomplicated burn. Other potential treatments include bacitracin, Polysporin, or petroleum jelly. You should apply the ointment or cream and cover the wound with a non-stick dressing or pad such as Telfa (not a cotton ball).