Scalds are possible from the steam out of a saucepan

By way of contrast, scalds result from contact with hot liquids.

The extent of burns and scalds depends on the intensity and duration of exposure to the heat. The most important measure when treating burns is the immediate cooling of the burned area.

Through heat, body cells are destroyed and substances are released, which render surrounding blood vessels permeable and which make blood plasma extravasate into tissue. Burn blisters filled with fluid are formed as a result.

There are three different degrees of severity for burns: because treatment depends on the degree of severity, the depth and extent of the burn in and on the skin.

1^st degree burns resemble typical sunburn, they are recognized by a reddening of the skin and pain.

In the event of 2^nd degree burns, blisters filled with clear fluid form within 24 hours in addition to the damage seen with 1st degree burns.

In the event of 3^rd degree burns, surface and deep skin structures are destroyed. The severe damage is visible as snow-white or brownish-black discoloration on the skin.

Subsequent treatment depends on the degree of severity, the depth and extent of the burn in and on the skin.

What you can do:

- The most important first aid measure when treating all types of burns or scalds is cooling the injured part of the body. This prevents from further heat exposure in the tissue and significantly limits the extent of the injury as a result.

– In the event of a scald, clothing is to be removed immediately. After a burn, clothing is only then to be removed if it is not stuck to the body.

- Hold the burned or scalded part of the body under cold, running water until continuous freedom from pain is achieved. In less severe cases, 5 minutes are sufficient, in all other cases, 10 to 20 minutes are necessary. Standing under a shower is the easiest way to cool down extensive burns.

In the event of 1^st degree burns, it is sufficient to apply a cooling skin care product after having cooled the burn under cold water. If complaints persist, the short-term use of a low-dose hydrocortisone cream and, if necessary, taking painkillers will help. A hydroactive plaster can also alleviate pain. The gel contained therein promotes especially the wound healing of small burns.

In the event of burns and scalds in children:
- Treat wounds using the rules of first aid,
- calm down,
- keep warm,
- do not leave children on their own.
In the event of any burn to a child, go and see a physician or call an emergency doctor.
 
In all cases, where medical assistance is required, the burn wounds should, after having been cooled with cold water, be covered for transport with germ-free material (e.g. with aluminium foil or another type metal foil).

Alleged "wonder remedies" such as powders, oils, flour and other household remedies do more harm than good!

All burns with serious skin defects (2nd and 3rd degree burns) must, basically, be treated by a physician.
The risk of circulatory shock, infection, breathing difficulties and so-called burn disease (multifarious pathological process in the body, which can develop from tissue heat damage) usually renders treatment in a hospital necessary.