section B:  scalds & scalding liquids

A scald is a burn injury caused by hot liquid or steam.  Children under age 5 and the elderly are at highest risk for scald injuries from hot liquids.  People of all ages can be burned by liquid at 140 degrees Fahrenheit in a few seconds.  It takes only five seconds for a young child to be severely burned by 140-degree liquid; and only one second at 160 degrees.  Follow this simple advice from the Home Safety Council to help reduce the risk of scald injuries at home:

Time vs. Temperature for a Serious Burn

Ahhhhh, there's another pan up there to pull down.

Water Temp

(Degrees)

Time required for a third degree burn

155º (68ºC)

148º (64ºC)

140º (60ºC)

1 second

1 second

1 second

133º (56ºC)

127º (52ºC)

1 second

1 second

124º (51ºC)

120º (48ºC)

1 second

1 second

100º F (37º C) Safe temperature for Bathing

Prevention Tips

• Lower water heaters to 120° Fahrenheit or less. Ask the building owner to lower the temperature for you if you rent. If you own your home, you can often adjust your own water heater. Check with the utility company for instructions.
• When bathing children, use a water thermometer to ensure the temperature is safe. Turn the cold water on first, then mix in warmer water and keep the temperature at about 100° Fahrenheit.
• Stay within an arm's reach of young children any time they are near standing water.
• Use heavy oven mittens and hot pads when cooking. Avoid using a wet towel to hold a hot pan because the heat from the pan can create steam which can cause a scaling injury.
• Test heated food and bottles before feeding children.
• Micro-waved  food gets hot very fast. Heated food and steam can cause an injury. Pull covers away from you, not towards you.
• Microwaving heats food from the inside out. Cut open heated foods and test them before feeding children.
• Be aware that toddlers can pull tablecloths down, spilling hot beverages and food on themselves. Donot place hot beverages on low tables where children can easily reach them.
• Avoid drinking hot beverages when you are holding a young child. Using a "commuter mug" with a tight-fitting lid can help reduce a hot spill if the beverage tips over.

I'm telling you. I opened the microwave and the egg just exploded.

treatment of a minor burn

Treatment a minor burn injury immediately with cool running water for 3 to 5 minutes. Donot apply ice, which can harm the skin. Donot apply butter or lotions because this can keep the skin temperature hot increasing the injury. Apply a sterile bandage to the injured area. If the scald is serious, seek medical treatment immediately.