Suggest Treatment For Itching After Boiling Water Splashed On The Leg

Posted on Sun, 25 Mar 2018

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 25 Mar 2018 Answered on

Mon, 24 Apr 2023 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi doctor, I had boiling water splash on my leg on 18th Mar. I immediately put my leg under running cold water. it's been a week now. while the redness is still there, I still have the itchy feeling. attached are pictures. should I be applying any cream. pls advise

Answered by Dr. Ilyas Patel (15 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Scalding...

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

You have scalding, a form of burn caused by hot water. You are lucky that the damage is less. It may be considered as 1st degree burn.

Just apply antibiotic cream like Gentamicin or Silver Sulfadiazine cream. You may take a course of antibiotic and anti-inflammatory drug. The redness is due to Erythema. It might gradually vanish. May become black. Skin might exfoliate in a few days. Do not worry.

You may consult a nearby surgeon. I hope this would help you.

Thank you.

Regards,
Dr. Ilyas Patel
Dermatologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng