When your skin is exposed to hot oil, what first aid do you do? Some people immediately grab toothpaste and rub it on the area of skin that was splashed with hot liquid, but this is actually very wrong.
Also Read: Learn About the Completeness of Bunda Group Hospital's Emergency Room Facilities
The exposed area will usually leave red or swollen marks that persist for a long time. Some people will usually contact a doctor immediately if the incident is a serious accident and the impact is severe. Call the Bunda Group Hospital Emergency Department immediately at 1-500-799.
Three Level of Burns
There are many factors that can cause burns, including exposure to UV light, boiling water, electric shock, sparks, and even hot oil on the skin.
These incidents can cause varying degrees of injury, such as:
1. Level I (One)
Burns that affect only the outermost layer of skin, or the epidermis, are first-degree (superficial) burns. This condition is usually characterized by redness, swelling, and discomfort.
2. Level II (Two)
The cause of this stage is an accident that affects the outermost layer of skin, causing injury and disruption to the underlying layers. Besides the redness, there are usually fluid-filled blisters that are painful for the sufferer.
3. Level III (Three)
Third-degree burns penetrate the bones and even organs. Physical signs include blackened, pale, and dry skin. What distinguishes third-degree burns is that they are painless.
These three degrees of burns from hot oil can occur to anyone when exposed to fire or electrical sources. The more severe the exposure, the higher the degree, requiring more detailed treatment.
6 Steps of Handling
When an incident occurs, before immediate medical attention, first aid is essential to prevent the condition from worsening. We've summarized 6 steps for proper treatment for skin burns from boiling water or other sources, including:
Also Read: Understanding the Degrees of Burns and How to Treat Them
- Remove all jewelry and accessories, such as rings, bracelets, and watches. This will prevent further swelling and irritation.
- Run cold water over the affected area for approximately 30 minutes to relieve pain and prevent further damage to the skin.
- Clean the area of skin exposed to hot oil with a clean, dry cloth or towel by gently dabbing and avoiding pressure.
- Apply a burn cream or ointment around the burn area to prevent further spread of the effects of boiling water or other liquids. Tip: If you don't have burn cream, you can apply an alcohol-free face cream or moisturizer.
- Cover the wound with a bandage to prevent infection if exposed to external hazards, such as dust or dirt.
- Finally, seek medical attention and have them examine the skin exposed to the hot oil.
In addition to these six steps, when treating a burn, be sure to avoid the following:
- Avoid applying ice directly to the burnt skin without any other means, as this can worsen the infection and cause inflammation.
- Do not apply pressure to the wound, as this can cause severe pain.
- Clean the area before applying burn cream and avoid applying anything haphazardly, especially as the chemicals can cause adverse reactions.
- If you experience a second-degree burn, where there are blisters filled with water, allow the burn to heal on its own without popping them. Hot oil exposure can worsen if treated carelessly.
- Avoid soaking in hot water before the skin has healed, as this can cause severe pain and a burning sensation.
If you've heard the advice to apply toothpaste before cleaning the skin, avoid this advice and follow the proper treatment outlined above.
4 Liquid Ointments for Burns
As a reference for first aid and filling the medicine cabinet at home, here are four recommended ointments for when the skin is exposed to hot oil or other accidental factors:
1. Bacitracin Ointment
Bacitracin ointment is used for minor, first-degree burns. It's effective in preventing, treating, and managing bacterial infections.
Before applying it, make sure you know the degree of heat exposure to your skin.
2. Aloe Vera Ointment
Aloe vera ointment provides first-line treatment for first- and second-degree burns. It stimulates blood circulation, inhibits bacteria, and has anti-inflammatory properties.
3. Silver Sulfadiazine Ointment
Silver sulfadiazine ointment is used for second-degree burns and is usually the solution when the skin feels
burned by direct sun exposure.
4. Mafenide Acetate Ointment
Mafenide acetate ointment is for more severe levels, namely grade three.
Also Read: First Aid Guide for Accident Victims
All use of the ointments above should be based on a doctor's prescription and recommendation. In an emergency, you should go to the nearest Bunda Hospital Emergency Department to prevent further damage from the hot oil. For further treatment, schedule an appointment with your doctor to find the best time. You can also find other healthcare services on our information page.