Kitchen Accidents: First Aid for Cuts from Knife, Hot Water or Oil, and Blisters PTP

Cooking in the kitchen is something many people do regularly, but the kitchen is also an area where accidents can easily happen if caution is lacking. These include slipping and falling, cuts from knives, burns from hot objects, or scalds from hot oil. Today, we will introduce common kitchen accidents, prevention methods, and proper first aid to keep you safe every time you enter the kitchen.
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<h2>Common Kitchen Accidents! Better Know How to Prevent Them</h2>
Common kitchen accidents and prevention methods include:
<ul>
<li>Slipping and falling often occur due to water or oil stains on the floor. Therefore, clean up immediately when any liquid spills on the floor. Wear shoes with non-slip soles or use anti-slip mats. Avoid cluttering the area to reduce the chance of accidents.</li>
<li>Heat from equipment such as ovens, pans, and deep fryers should be handled with heat-resistant gloves or cloths. Avoid adding water to hot oil as it causes splattering. Use lids while cooking, set timers if leaving food unattended, and keep cloths and flammable materials away from the stove.</li>
<li>Injuries from electrical appliances often result from damaged cords, using electrical devices near water or with wet hands, or not turning off switches after use. Prevent by regularly checking appliances and cords, avoiding use with wet hands or floors, not using damaged devices, and unplugging after use.</li>
<li>Gas leaks may occur from leaving the gas on or equipment leaks, which can lead to fires or explosions. Prevent by installing gas leak detectors, turning off gas valves after use, regularly checking gas hoses and burners. If you smell gas, open doors and windows for ventilation, avoid turning lights on or off, and do not use electrical devices to reduce fire risk.</li>
<li>Knife cuts often happen from using inappropriate or dull knives, which require excessive force and increase the chance of mistakes, or from unsafe knife placement. Prevent by choosing sharp knives with comfortable handles, avoiding worn or unstable knives, and storing knives safely in knife blocks or locked drawers.</li>
</ul>
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<h2>First Aid for Hot Water or Oil Burns and What to Avoid</h2>
When scalded by hot water or oil, proper first aid is essential to reduce skin damage and infection risk. Correct methods include:
<ul>
<li>Rinse the wound immediately with clean water, letting it flow over the wound for at least 10-15 minutes to help lower the temperature and prevent heat from penetrating deeper into tissues, which can cause more cell death. Avoid using very cold water or ice as it may damage tissues. Observe if the wound is still hot; if so, continue rinsing until the heat subsides.</li>
<li>Carefully remove clothing stuck to the wound as pulling off stuck fabric may widen the wound or cause infection. If fabric adheres to the skin, do not pull it off quickly; instead, rinse with water to help loosen it or wait for medical personnel.</li>
<li>Apply a cold compress using a clean cloth soaked in cool water, gently pressing on the wound for 10-15 minutes, then resting for 10 minutes. Repeat as needed to reduce swelling. Do not apply ice directly as it may damage the skin.</li>
<li>Apply burn ointments that prevent infection and promote skin healing, such as silver sulfadiazine (SSD) or Bactex ointment, or aloe vera gel to reduce burning sensation, and moisturizers or silicone gel to prevent scarring. Avoid using triamcinolone cream (a steroid) as it may thin the skin and increase infection risk, as well as ointments without antiseptic properties or toothpaste, which can irritate the wound and delay healing.</li>
<li>Cover the wound with a clean bandage that is not too tight to allow air circulation and avoid pressure. Change the bandage daily or immediately if it becomes wet to prevent infection.</li>
</ul>
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<h2>First Aid for Knife Cuts with Unstoppable Bleeding and What to Avoid</h2>
First aid for knife cuts with continuous bleeding is crucial to prevent severe injury and reduce infection risk. The methods and precautions are as follows:
<ul>
<li>Stop the bleeding by pressing a clean cloth or bandage firmly on the wound for at least 5-10 minutes. If blood soaks through, do not remove the cloth but add another layer on top. Avoid frequently checking the wound to see if bleeding has stopped, as this disrupts clotting. If the wound is on an arm or leg, elevate the injured part above heart level to reduce blood flow. Do not apply ice or ice packs directly on the wound as it may worsen the injury and increase risk.</li>
<li>If the wound is deep or bleeding does not stop after applying pressure, seek medical attention immediately. If foreign objects are embedded in the wound, let a doctor remove them to avoid further injury and excessive blood loss.</li>
<li>Clean the wound after bleeding stops by washing with clean water and mild soap to remove dirt that may cause infection. Avoid using hydrogen peroxide or iodine as they can damage tissue and increase infection risk, slowing healing.</li>
<li>Apply ointment and cover the wound after cleaning, use antibiotic cream to reduce infection risk. Cover with a clean bandage that is not too tight. Avoid using adhesive tape directly on the wound as it can trap moisture, increasing infection risk and delaying healing.</li>
</ul>
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<h2>Caring for Blisters to Prevent Infection</h2>
Blisters are fluid-filled sacs under the skin, such as lymph, blood, or pus, caused by skin damage. Proper care reduces infection risk and speeds healing as follows:
<ul>
<li>Do not puncture or open blisters if they are small. Apply antiseptic ointment until the blister shrinks and heals on its own to prevent infection and protect the skin underneath from foreign substances.</li>
<li>Avoid touching the wound as picking or puncturing blisters can cause infection.</li>
<li>For large blisters that need to be drained, wash hands thoroughly and clean the wound first. Then carefully puncture the blister with a new needle, use a clean cotton swab to press out the fluid, and do not remove the skin covering the puncture site as it protects the new skin forming underneath. Use antibiotic creams like mupirocin to eliminate bacteria and prevent infection.</li>
<li>For severe blisters or signs of infection, see a doctor for appropriate treatment. Follow antibiotic prescriptions strictly for the best results. If symptoms do not improve or side effects occur, consult your doctor to adjust treatment.</li>
</ul>
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Although cooking is an activity that brings both joy and deliciousness, it is important to remember that the kitchen is a place where accidents can easily happen. Having knowledge about safety, prevention, and basic first aid helps reduce risks and properly handle unexpected situations. However, if a severe accident occurs, such as burns, scalds, or deep cuts from sharp objects, it is recommended to promptly visit Phyathai Phaholyothin Hospital, which has specialized medical teams and modern equipment ready to provide safe and appropriate treatment, helping you regain a good quality of life and return to normal living.
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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Preeda Samritpradit 
Specialist in Laparoscopic Surgery 
Phyathai Phaholyothin Hospital

Cooking in the kitchen can lead to unexpected accidents such as cuts from knives, burns from hot oil or liquids causing blisters. Learn about first aid methods, prevention, and care for each type of wound to ensure proper healing and reduce the risk of infection that can lead to complications.

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Kitchen Accidents: First Aid for Knife Cuts, Hot Water or Oil Burns, and Blisters

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