Scalding

Scalding (from the Latin word calidus, meaning hot) is a form of thermal burn resulted from heated fluids such as boiling water or steam. Most scalds are considered first or second degree burns, but third degree burns can result, especially with prolonged contact. Scalding (from the Latin word calidus, meaning hot) is a form of thermal burn resulted from heated fluids such as boiling water or steam. Most scalds are considered first or second degree burns, but third degree burns can result, especially with prolonged contact. Most scalds result from exposure to high-temperature water such as tap water in baths and showers or cooking water boiled for the preparation of foods or from the spilling of hot drinks, such as coffee. Scalds can be more severe when steam impinges on the naked skin, because steam can reach higher temperatures than water and transfers latent heat by condensation. On the other hand when clothes are soaked with hot water the heat transfer is often of a longer duration since the body part can not be removed from the heat source as quickly. It is recommended for the temperature of tap water not to exceed 38 — 45 °C to avoid discomfort and scalding. The technical implementation is complicated by the necessity to keep warm water at a temperature of 55 – 60 °C to inhibit the growth of legionella bacteria. Water at 60 °C can induce scalding injuries in less than 3 seconds, while it takes 10 seconds to get an injury at 57 °C and 1.5 to 2 minutes to achieve an injury in 52 °C hot water.