Accidents happen, and sometimes we find ourselves with burns on our hands after touching hot pans or grabbing a hot handle. These burns can be painful and may even blister.

Fortunately, there are a few quick and simple methods you can try at home to relieve the pain and promote healing. In this article, we will explore two effective ways to remove burns or pans from your hands.

Cool Water Method

The first method involves using cool water to soothe the burned area and reduce the severity of the burn.

Step 1: As soon as you realize you have burned your hands, immediately run cool water over the affected area. You can either fill a basin with cool water or use a gentle stream of water directly from the faucet.

Step 2: Keep your hands submerged in the cool water for at least 10-15 minutes. This will help to cool down the burn and reduce pain and inflammation.

Step 3: After the initial cooling period, gently pat your hands dry with a clean towel. Avoid rubbing the burned area, as this can further irritate the skin and cause discomfort.

Step 4: Apply a thin layer of aloe vera gel or an over-the-counter burn ointment to the burned area. Aloe vera has soothing properties that can help alleviate pain and promote healing.

Milk Compress Method

The second method involves using a milk compress to relieve pain and accelerate the healing process.

Step 1: Pour cold milk into a small bowl or basin. The milk should be enough to submerge your hands.

Step 2: Soak a clean cloth or towel in the cold milk until it is fully saturated.

Step 3: Gently wring out the excess milk from the cloth and apply it to the burn. Make sure the cloth covers the entire burned area.

Step 4: Leave the milk compress on your hands for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the milk to soothe and cool the burn.

Step 5: Remove the milk compress and rinse your hands with cool water.

Additional Tips for Burn Care

In addition to the two methods mentioned above, it’s important to follow some basic practices for burn care. These tips can help maximize healing and prevent further damage.

1. Avoid Using Ice

While ice may seem like a good idea to numb the pain, it can actually worsen the burn. Ice can cause further damage to the already injured skin. Stick to cool water or milk compresses for immediate relief.

2. Keep the Burn Clean

After using cool water or milk compresses, it’s crucial to keep the burn clean. Use mild soap and lukewarm water to gently cleanse the area. Pat it dry and avoid rubbing.

3. Dress the Burn

For minor burns, you can leave them uncovered as long as they are clean and not exposed to potential contaminants. If the burn is more severe or in an area prone to infections, consider covering it with a sterile non-stick dressing or gauze.

4. Do Not Pop Blisters

If your burn forms blisters, it’s important not to pop them. Popping blisters increases the risk of infection and slows down the healing process. Leave blisters intact, and they will gradually heal on their own.

5. Apply Moisturizer

Once your burn has started healing, you can apply a moisturizing cream or ointment. This will help keep the skin hydrated and prevent itching as it continues to heal.

6. Seek Medical Attention for Severe Burns

If you have a severe burn that covers a large area of your hands, shows signs of infection, or does not show signs of improvement after a few days, it’s crucial to seek medical attention.

Severe burns may require specialized care, such as prescription ointments or even skin grafts, to properly heal.

Conclusion

Burns from hot pans can be painful, but with these two quick methods, you can help alleviate the pain and promote faster healing.

Remember to use cool water or milk compresses to provide immediate relief, and follow the additional tips for burn care to maximize healing and prevent complications. If you have a severe burn, it’s essential to seek medical attention for proper treatment. By taking the right steps, you can effectively remove pans from your hands and get back to your daily activities with minimal discomfort.