Home Remedy for Steam Burns
Steam burns are fairly common. As with the majority of accidents, most steam burns happen in the kitchen. Fortunately, minor steam burns can usually be treated at home. Note that home remedies are appropriate only for minor injuries. Serious injuries should be treated by a doctor.
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Identifying a Superficial Burn
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Superficial steam burns are small (no more than an inch or so in length), but they are painful. If the area that is burned is numb, the person has possibly suffered nerve damage and needs to be seen by a doctor immediately. A superficial steam burn will be red and no more than mildly blistered. Steam can cause a lot of damage with very little exposure, so if the burn is dark red, white, numb or very large, seek immediate medical attention.
Cold Water
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Whether cold water should be used for minor burns is a matter of debate. However, the Mayo Clinic recommends holding the burn, if it is minor, under cold running water for 10 to 15 minutes, as the cold water can stop damage from spreading any deeper and relieve inflammation. Use a low-pressure faucet and dry the burn completely when finished. Bandaging is also a contested issue, but the Mayo Clinic recommends a loose bandage because burns can become infected easily.
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Baking Soda
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Applying a paste made out of baking soda will help to lessen the damage and relieve pain. To do this, mix 3 teaspoons of soda with 1 teaspoon of water, put the paste on the burn and wrap it loosely with a clean bandage. A baking soda bath can also be helpful. Simply add a quarter to a half cup of baking soda to a warm (not hot) bath and soak.
Aloe Vera
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Aloe vera cream can help relieve a burn. Apply a small amount to the burn and rub gently. If you do not have aloe vera cream, you can use a moisturizer with aloe vera in it, although it will not be as effective as a cream created specifically for burns.
Some Myths
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Milk is a common home treatment for minor burns. It works, but only because milk tends to be cold--cold water works just as well. Some people believe that because milk cools the digestive system when it has received spicy food, it will cool a burn in the same way. However, milk has no analgesic properties when it comes to actual burns; rather, it neutralizes capsaicin, the chemical that causes the burning reaction of spicy food.
Toothpaste is another common home remedy that should NOT be used, as it will only make the burning worse.
If the burn is severe enough to cause clothing to stick to it, common sense may indicate you should remove the piece of clothing. Do not: instead, leave the clothing where it is and go immediately to the emergency room.
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