As a privately practicing family physician, Lloyd Takao, MD, offers individualized care to patients in and around Orinda, California. Dr. Lloyd Takao personally responds to patient questions about a variety of issues, including accidents in the home.
One of the most common home accidents is getting burned by a hot stove. The first and most important task after a burning incident is to separate the person's contact with the burning agent and remove burning or burned material from the person's body. If the underlying burn is of the first degree, you can usually provide the appropriate care at home.
First-degree burns affect only the first layer of skin and present with reddening, swelling, and minimal pain. These are treatable with the application of cool running water or compresses and a sterile covering. Second-degree burns are more serious and affect the top two layers of skin, causing oozing blisters and more severe pain. The first line of treatment for such burns is also cool running water and a sterile covering, though additional medical attention is usually necessary. Third-degree burns, which affect multiple skin layers, require emergency medical treatment.
One of the most common home accidents is getting burned by a hot stove. The first and most important task after a burning incident is to separate the person's contact with the burning agent and remove burning or burned material from the person's body. If the underlying burn is of the first degree, you can usually provide the appropriate care at home.
First-degree burns affect only the first layer of skin and present with reddening, swelling, and minimal pain. These are treatable with the application of cool running water or compresses and a sterile covering. Second-degree burns are more serious and affect the top two layers of skin, causing oozing blisters and more severe pain. The first line of treatment for such burns is also cool running water and a sterile covering, though additional medical attention is usually necessary. Third-degree burns, which affect multiple skin layers, require emergency medical treatment.