[ Yonhap News TV ] How to treat hot coffee burns?
Registration date: 2016/05/19
Drinking hot coffee or beverages often causes accidental burns. The more people are enjoying hot coffee recently, the danger of scaling burns is increasing as well. In this regard, Dr. Jung-hwan Lee, Director of the Department of Burn Plastic Surgery at Hangangsoo Hospital, explained the correct first aid treatment. In the cold winter, a heater becomes a popular item as necessity and keeps us warm. There are three types of burns ; First, Second and Third-degree burns. First-degree burns cause reddening of the epidermis. Second-degree burns damage the dermis under the epidermis, resulting in blistering or swelling around the area. Most of the burn patients hospitalized belong to second-degree burns. Depending on the condition of the wound, it can be defined as a deep burn or a superficial burn. Third-degree burns refer to a condition in which the entire skin and the subcutaneous fat layer below it are damaged, where necrotic skin or an eschar can appear. Usually, First-degree burns can be healed naturally. The epidermis peels off 3 days or 1 week later and then heals without special treatments. Second-degree burns can be treated within 2 to 5 weeks depending on whether they are deep or superficial. However, if a blister is peeled off, a deep second-degree burn can be developed to a deep third-degree burn. Third-degree burns are not easily healed with a general treatment, and it can take a long time unless an active treatment is performed such as skin transplantation. By having a correct first-aid, we can prevent a secondary infection. First of all, let the burned area cool in cool water for 15 to 30 minutes, and then remove clothes carefully so that blisters may not burst. After that, wrap the burned area with a towel or cloth wet with clean water, and visit a burn specialized hospital immediately. Often, folk remedies, such as cucumbers and potatoes, can cool off the heat, but they are not recommended as they can cause a secondary risk of infection.

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