What to Do for a Burn in the Kitchen

Burns are a common kitchen accident. Serious burns require medical attention, while proper first aid for minor burns may help reduce pain and the risk of scarring. Some common beliefs about burns are incorrect, so it is important to know which practices may help and which are mistaken. Here are steps for minor kitchen burns.

Common Myths

Although applying ice to a burn is a common piece of advice, direct ice can cause further tissue damage and is not advised. Applying tomato paste, toothpaste, or yogurt to a burn is also based on unfounded advice. These practices can delay healing and irritate the area. Instead of panicking and applying any available household product to the wound, follow the simple steps below.

First Aid: Cool the Burn with Water

For any burn, the first step is to hold the burned area under cool running water right away to minimize tissue damage. Keep it under running water until the pain has clearly eased; this cools the skin quickly and may help keep the burn from deepening. Cooling within the first half hour after a burn is most effective; after that, it may only ease the pain. Use tap water rather than ice to avoid overcooling the skin.

Products Available at a Pharmacy

For minor burns, burn creams and ointments available at a pharmacy may be used to support skin healing. Ask a pharmacist before using these products to help choose one appropriate for the burn. Treat the burn as an open wound and cover it with clean, sterile gauze; avoid materials such as cotton that may leave fibers and stick to the wound. If a blister forms, do not pop it; leaving it intact may help the skin heal faster.

Traditional Remedies

Some traditional practices describe aloe vera as helpful for burns. To use it, wash a fresh aloe vera leaf thoroughly and apply the gel-like liquid inside to the burned area. St. John’s wort oil is also traditionally described as having a supportive effect on burns. It is also said that sesame oil collected on the surface of tahini can be helpful when applied to a burn. These traditional practices do not replace medical treatment. Seek care at a health facility depending on the size or depth of the burn.

Preventing Kitchen Burns

Do not leave the handles of hot pots and pans pointing outward from the stove, and avoid distractions while working in the kitchen. Keep oven mitts dry when handling hot oil; a damp mitt conducts heat more quickly and increases the risk of burns. In kitchens where children are present, arrange hot surfaces and cords so they are out of reach. Keep basic first-aid supplies somewhere easy to access in the kitchen.