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About Scalding
Definition of Hot Water Scalding
Scalding is a burn to the skin or flesh caused by moist heat and hot vapors such as steam. When the heat applied is approximately equivalent, a scald is deeper than a burn from dry heat and should be treated as a burn. Healing is slower and scar formation is greater.
Scalding is a second-degree burn which is deeper and results in splitting of skin layers or blistering. Scalding with hot water or a very severe sunburn are common instances of second-degree burns.
Description of Hot Water Scalding
Tap water scald injuries are the second most common cause of serious burn injuries in all age groups. Scald burns may be accidental or non-accidental, as in cases of child abuse, and often cover a large area of the body, leading to high rates of morbidity and mortality.
Scald injuries are especially likely to occur in certain populations, particularly children less than five years of age, adults more than 65 years of age, and persons with handicaps such as sensory neuropathies.
Each year, many people are treated in hospital emergency rooms with scald burns, and a small percentage of them are hospitalised. Many of the scaldings are a result of household water heaters being set at temperatures above 60 degrees C. About 80 percent of hot tap water burns are among young children, the elderly, and the physically impaired.
Water temperature may be kept high for a number of reasons. In institutional settings, a large volume of hot water may be required. For dishwasher use, water may need to be kept hot to improve solvent action. Another reason for keeping temperatures higher is the control of bacterial overgrowth including legionella in the water supply. However, tap water delivered at 60 degrees C can cause a full-thickness burn in 10 seconds.
Treatment of Hot Water Scalding
For minor scalding, apply cold water or ice immediately. This reduces the amount of skin damage caused by the burn and eases the pain. The cold should be applied for at least five minutes and continued until pain is relieved, or for one hour, whichever comes first. Be careful not to apply cold so long that the burned area turns numb, since frostbite can occur.
Aspirin or acetaminophen may be used to reduce pain. Blisters should not be broken. The use of anesthetic creams or sprays is not recommended, since they may slow healing.
Any severe burn - or one that continues to be painful for more than 48 hours - should be seen by a physician.
Severe burns require prompt attention and may necessitate hospitalisation, antibiotics and skin grafts.