Contact with steam and other hot vapors

Boiling water steam can cause steam burns. The burn can vary in severity from a minor to a major burn. It can be a first degree burn part I, II, second — December 14, 2011

Learn about the types of burns and burn treatments from Cleveland Clinic. Get information on managing pain from burns.

Even if the wound looks superficially harmless, steam burns must be cooled persistently.

A person can typically treat first- and second-degree burns and scalds at home using certain household or over-the-counter products. It is also important to know which remedies to avoid, how to recognize more severe burns that could cause serious complications, and when it is necessary to visit a doctor.

Feeling the burn? Hopefully not!

Even if the wound looks superficially harmless, steam burns must be cooled persistently. Researchers have now been able to show for the first time how hot steam achieves its vicious effect: it penetrates the upper skin layer and can cause severe burns in the lower skin layers -- initially almost invisible.

Steam burns can be underestimated, because a burn from steam might not look as damaging as other types of burns. Learn how to treat a steam burn and ways to prevent it from happening.

Steam burns and scalds account for more than one-third of all hospitalizations for burns. Learn why prevention is the best medicine.