After burning oil, the immediate steps involve cooling the affected area and then applying appropriate treatments to manage the burn and alleviate pain, especially for first and second-degree burns.
Dealing with a cooking oil burn requires quick action to minimize damage and discomfort. The primary goal is to cool the skin and then protect the burn while providing relief.
Immediate Steps for Treating Oil Burns
According to medical guidance, including information relevant to first and second-degree burns (including cooking oil burns), the initial and most crucial step is to reduce the temperature of the affected area.
1. Cool the Burn
- Immediately run cool water over the burn. This helps to stop the burning process and reduce the severity of the injury.
- Avoid using ice, as this can further damage the skin.
- Keep the area under cool water for several minutes, typically 10-20 minutes, until the pain subsides.
2. Assess the Severity
- First-degree burns affect only the outer layer of skin, causing redness and pain.
- Second-degree burns damage the outer layer and the layer beneath (dermis), resulting in blisters, pain, and swelling.
- Third-degree burns go through all layers of skin and may appear white or charred. Seek immediate medical attention for third-degree burns.
This guide focuses on first and second-degree burns, which are common with cooking oil spills.
Post-Cooling Treatment for First and Second-Degree Burns
After effectively cooling the burn, you can apply topical treatments to help manage pain and aid recovery.
Recommended Treatments:
The reference specifies that after cooling the area with water, treatments like aloe vera, burn creams, or antibiotic ointment can be used. These options are aimed at providing temporary relief to keep the pain at bay.
- Aloe Vera: Pure aloe vera gel has soothing properties and can help reduce inflammation and pain.
- Burn Creams: Over-the-counter burn creams specifically designed for minor burns can help moisturize the skin and provide a barrier.
- Antibiotic Ointment: Applying an antibiotic ointment can help prevent infection, especially if the skin is broken (as can happen with blisters in second-degree burns). After applying the ointment, you might loosely cover the burn with a sterile bandage.
Note: Always follow product instructions and consult a healthcare professional if you are unsure about the severity of the burn or how to treat it, or if the burn shows signs of infection (increased redness, swelling, pus, fever).
Taking these steps promptly after an oil burn can significantly impact the healing process and discomfort experienced.
