More than 80% of the damage from burns and scalds is caused by residual heat; therefore, the key to first aid is to minimize this heat-induced damage.
First aid steps:
Rinse: Flush the area with running tap water or immerse it in cold water until the site cools down and the pain subsides, or apply a cold towel to the injury for at least 10 minutes. Do not place ice directly on the wound, as this can damage skin tissue. If water is unavailable, any other cool, harmless liquid—such as milk or canned beverages—may be used.
Remove: If scalded by hot water or soup while clothed, do not immediately remove the garments; instead, pour cold water directly over the clothing to cool the area. Once the wound is thoroughly soaked, carefully remove the clothing. If the fabric is stuck to the skin, do not tear it off; cut away only the unattached sections and leave the adhered parts on the skin for later treatment. Finally, cover the wound with clean gauze to prevent contamination. Do not break any blisters that may have formed.