How to treat burns from hot oil

Written by Wang Xiang Li
Emergency Medicine
Updated on January 23, 2025
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After being scalded by hot oil, the first step is to remove yourself from the scalding environment and immediately rinse or soak the affected area with cold water for at least 20-30 minutes to reduce temperature and pain. Afterwards, disinfect with iodophor. Scald ointments, such as safflower oil, can be applied to the affected area.

For blisters formed after a scald, use a sterile needle to puncture and drain the blister fluid, then apply medication and wrap it with sterile gauze. If the scald covers a large area or is a third-degree burn, it is generally not manageable on your own and requires prompt medical attention to avoid delaying treatment.

(Please follow medical advice when using medication.)

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Written by Li Xiao Lin
Emergency Department
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How long will it take for a burn on the finger to heal?

How long it takes for a finger burn to improve depends on the severity of the burn, and one cannot generalize. If the burn affects only the epidermal layer, recovery or complete healing generally takes about a week. This is because skin metabolism, which takes about 5 to 7 days to renew, especially at burned areas such as on the face or fingers, can take longer to heal. Moreover, if the burn is deeper, reaching below the dermal layer, the recovery time depends on how deep the burn is. It might take 2 weeks or even up to a month for complete recovery. Therefore, the duration needed for a burn to heal depends on the severity of the burn.

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Written by Li Xiao Lin
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What should I do if my finger gets burned and starts oozing pus?

Finger burns have developed a pus discharge, indicating a severe infection at the burn site. Once an infection occurs, in addition to disinfection, oral antibiotics should be administered for anti-infection treatment. Disinfection may need to be carried out once or twice daily. The disinfection process involves washing with saline solution, then further sterilization and disinfection with hydrogen peroxide. After rinsing with saline, re-disinfect with iodophor, and then cover with gauze and dressing. Gentamicin can be applied on top of the gauze to promote healing and improvement of the infection. If oral medications are ineffective, intravenous antibiotic infusion may be necessary for anti-infection treatment. (Medication use should be supervised by a professional doctor.)

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Written by Li Xiao Lin
Emergency Department
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How long should a cold compress be applied after a burn?

After a burn, cold compresses are generally applied until the pain is relieved, which helps to decrease local temperature and reduce further progression of the burn. Then, thoroughly disinfect with iodine to reduce the risk of infection. If necessary, burn ointment can be used to promote healing of the burn, providing astringent and anti-inflammatory effects, beneficial for burn recovery. Sterile gauze can also be used to cover the wound to reduce contact infections. Normally, attention should be paid to diet, avoiding spicy, stimulating foods and seafood that may cause inflammation. It is advisable to drink more water and consume more fresh vegetables and fruits. If the pain is significant, oral pain relievers can be taken to alleviate symptoms, and antibiotics may be taken if necessary to prevent infection.

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Written by Li Xiao Lin
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Are second-degree burns serious?

Second-degree burns are serious and are classified into superficial and deep second-degree burns. Superficial second-degree burns manifest as local redness, swelling, pain, and blister formation. Deep second-degree burns primarily affect the dermis, resulting in tissue necrosis and nerve damage, which are indicated by local pain and abnormal sensations. For both superficial and deep second-degree burns, it is necessary to immediately rinse the affected area with running cold water for at least half an hour, or until the pain eases. Afterward, it is essential to go to a hospital for thorough disinfection with iodophor to prevent infection. For deep second-degree burns, debridement is also necessary, and skin grafting may be required to facilitate tissue recovery. However, certain sequelae may remain, so it is crucial to follow the doctor's instructions to change dressings regularly. Additionally, attention should be paid to diet; avoid spicy, stimulating, and fermenting foods. Drinking more water and consuming fresh vegetables and fruits to supplement vitamins, as well as high-protein and high-nutrient foods, are beneficial for recovery.

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Emergency Medicine
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Will burns from oil heal by themselves?

Whether a burn from oil will heal on its own depends on the severity of the burn. If the skin is only red on the surface after being scalded by oil, it indicates a first-degree burn. Such burns do not require special treatment and generally subside on their own. However, it is important to protect the wound area and avoid friction. If blisters form, dressing is required, as undressed, the blister skin may rupture, which could lead to an easily infected wound. Additionally, if the burn is deeper, with localized waxen or charred skin appearing after the burn, it indicates a severe burn. In such cases, it is necessary to seek hospital treatment, where skin grafting may be needed.