How to deal with a skin scald that has broken the skin?

Written by Huang Ling Juan
Dermatology
Updated on February 20, 2025
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After a skin burn breaks the skin, if the area is relatively small and there is no obvious swelling, a moisturizing burn ointment can be applied. If the area is larger and accompanied by some exudation and swelling, it is necessary to go to the hospital for timely treatment. Under the guidance of a doctor, antibiotic ointment should be applied, and oral antibiotics should be taken. Common choices include Cefalexin, Cefradine dispersible tablets, and erythromycin for anti-infection treatment. Antibiotics can be used if there is no allergic reaction to them. If severe burn symptoms occur, combined with serious infections, swelling, and significant exudation, it is crucial to go to the hospital for medical treatment immediately. Severe cases may require hospitalization. Do not scratch the skin yourself, and avoid spicy and irritating food.

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Written by Wang Xiang Li
Emergency Medicine
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Can I eat lamb after a burn?

Whether a burn patient can eat mutton mainly depends on the severity of the patient's condition. It is best not to eat mutton because mutton is quite pungent and is considered a hot-natured food. Eating such food after being burned is not conducive to the recovery of the burn and can make the burn more severe, easily causing local wound infection and inflammation. Apart from mutton, spicy and stimulating foods are also not recommended, such as raw onions, raw garlic, chili peppers, Sichuan peppers, leeks, fish, shrimp, beef, and dog meat. Patients should also avoid smoking and alcohol, and it is better for them to have a bland diet, which can promote metabolism and facilitate the recovery from burns.

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Written by Wang Xiang Li
Emergency Medicine
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Why does a burn from hot oil itch?

After being scalded by oil and experiencing itchy sensations, there are several scenarios: First, after the acute phase of an oil burn, if there is no local infection, the patient may feel itching in the burned area. This sensation is caused by the proliferation and repair of new epidermal tissue, which is a normal occurrence. The patient should not worry, but it is important to remember not to scratch the area to prevent local infection and rupture of the skin tissue, which could delay the healing of the wound; The second scenario occurs when there is an infection in the burn. The patient will also feel itching in the affected area, and they should go to the hospital promptly for local debridement and disinfection; The third scenario occurs when the wound heals but leaves a scar, which can also cause itching. In this case, scar treatment medications can be applied for treatment.

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Written by Zhang Ying Ying
Traditional Chinese Medicine
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How to treat burns from cupping therapy

For minor cupping burns without blistering, apply local iodine for disinfection and keep the area dry. If there are small blisters, let the skin absorb them naturally, disinfect daily with iodine, and keep the blistered skin intact. If the blisters are larger, clean a needle to puncture them and release the fluid, then keep the area dry and disinfect daily with iodine. If the patient has diabetes, or if the burn is severe or covers a large area, seek treatment at a burn clinic.

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Written by Wang Xiang Li
Emergency Medicine
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Can soy sauce be used for burns?

After a burn, do not apply soy sauce because it contains a high amount of salt, which can aggravate the severity of the burn. Additionally, soy sauce may not be clean and could possibly contaminate the wound with bacteria, leading to infection. However, consuming soy sauce does not significantly affect the healing of burns. The correct practice is to immediately soak the burned area with running tap water or cold water for about half an hour, then observe if there are any blisters or similar conditions. You can apply some burn moisturizing cream for further treatment. Generally, the wound should be treated with exposure therapy, and in severe cases of burns, skin grafting or flap surgery might be considered.

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Written by Huang Ling Juan
Dermatology
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How to remove burn scars

Scars from burns, if relatively fresh, can be treated with scar removal creams such as silicone gel dressings. It is necessary to consistently use these creams for about three months, and using them in conjunction with scar patches can enhance the effects. During the use of scar creams, the diet should also be light, avoiding spicy and irritating foods, and consuming more fresh vegetables and fruits that are rich in Vitamin C, and foods high in vitamins. At the same time, avoid intense exercise and scratching the affected area to prevent worsening of the scar hyperplasia. For older burn scars, fractional laser treatment can be considered. Depending on the degree of scar elevation, typically three to five treatments are needed. (Use medication under the guidance of a doctor)