Question

About three to five days ago, a child accidentally broke a cup of boiling water, causing burns to the hand. Although the child immediately rinsed the burn with cold water and applied burn ointment, there are still several large blisters on the hand. How long does it take for the hand to fully recover after being burned by boiling water?

Answer

For burns, preventing inflammation is the top priority. Generally, areas without blisters are considered first-degree burns, which heal faster and can be treated with medication within a few days. Blisters indicate second-degree burns, which take longer to heal. If there is no inflammation, it usually takes about 20 days for the wound to heal. If infection occurs, the recovery time will be extended. The child’s current condition is classified as a second-degree burn and should be particularly cautious about preventing infection. It is recommended to visit a well-equipped hospital for more professional treatment.