Question
This afternoon, I accidentally spilled a cup of hot water, and my baby knocked it over. The water splashed on my baby’s foot, causing a burn on the back of the foot. By the next morning, blisters had started to form, and by the afternoon, they were accidentally popped by the baby. What should I do about blisters and skin breaks after a burn?
Answer
After a burn, it’s important to keep the wound clean and dry. Avoid further submersion in water after rinsing with cold water. The wound should dry out within about 2 to 3 days. At this point, apply a moisturizing burn ointment. It has properties to cool the heat, detoxify, promote blood circulation, remove blood stasis, heal wounds, nourish the skin, and moisturize the skin. It improves microcirculation and enhances regional immune function. If the area is not too large, it generally takes about a week for the scab to heal and the wound to close. Avoid using purple medicine water or mercuric chloride to apply on the burn as it may affect the observation of changes in the post-burn wound.