Scalding, it can happen in an instant. One minute you’re taking a nice hot shower then someone in the other bathroom turns on the cold water taking it from you and you’re hit full blast with hot water straight from the hot water tank. You’re in the kitchen boiling water for dinner, you go to the fridge for something hearing a strange sound you turn around only to see your toddler tipping over the pot of hot water.
Most scaldings happen with small children under the age of 5, the elderly and those physically challenged. It only take a water temperature of 120 degrees Fahrenheit to become scalding, depending on the age of the victim and the area affected. Every year more than 100 thousand people are rushed to the emergency room for first aid treatment of scald burns, a small percentage of them will need hospitalized.
Scalding is a second-degree burn which is deeper and results in blistering or worse. Scalding with hot water or very severe sunburn are common instances of second-degree burns. It can be a burn injury caused by exposure to hot fluids or gasses such as hot water, cooking oil, or steam. In some instances, all it may take is some minor first aid treatment.
Did you know if you were exposed to water at a temperature of 140 degrees F no matter what age, you could be scalded. It can happen in less than 10 seconds. That is why you must be cautious when in facilities such as hospitals or other medical centers where they need hot water to kill the spread of bacteria. Usually the water in their laundry and diswashers are set at that high of a temperature.
If you move into a new residence, check the hot water tank thermostat. If you are unable to adjust the temperature yourself, contact your local health department or fire department, they will come and assess how your hot water tank is working and how hot the water is. There is no charge for this service. The best way in first aid prevention of such burns at home is to set your hot water tank at 120 degrees F.
Teaching your toddler that the kitchen and the stove top are dangerous places will help keep them from injuries such as scalds. With that said you still need to be vigilent when your child enters the kitchen. For first aid prevention, keep all cooking pot and pan handles out of their reach and if possible move them to the back burner.
There are now temperature controls that can be placed on many hot water lines to help prevent scalding in showers and in sink taps, when someone else uses cold water in another part of the home. Never place your body directly into water until you test the water to be sure of the temperature. Always test a baby’s water with your wrist before placing them in the water. A baby’s skin is very sensitive to heat and can scald in seconds.
If the unthinkable happens and someone does get scalded, first aid may be needed. The best thing to do if it is a minor burn is to apply cold water or ice to the burned area for a minimum of 5 minutes. Don’t allow the burned area to turn numb as this could cause frostbite. If this is a minor burn, the use of acetaminophen (Tylenol or its equivalent) can be used to reduce pain, but cream and sprays are not recommended. If there is blistering. DO NOT BREAK the blisters.
If it is a serious burn, contact medical professionals immediately. If the burns are severe DO NOT apply water, see a doctor or medical professional immediately as antibiotics may be needed.
First Aid and Prevention,
Dana Drewer
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