Swansea burns experts warn: don’t breathe in steam to treat colds or flu

“No proven benefit, but real risk of burns”

Consultant surgeon Jeremy Yarrow said the practice of leaning over bowls of hot water to inhale steam is dangerous and ineffective.

“Although inhaling steam is sometimes thought to be useful as a remedy for common colds and chest infections, evidence of the effectiveness is weak and theories that the steam loosens mucus, opens nasal passages or slows the replication of viruses are just unproven,” he explained.

He added that every winter, the burns centre treats children and adults with injuries from spilled boiling water — often affecting the face, chest, abdomen and legs. Some cases require surgery or skin grafts, and children are particularly vulnerable.

“The injuries I see can often involve burns around the thighs, lower abdomen, and genital areas with children at a much higher risk due to their thinner skin and lack of awareness of the danger,” Mr Yarrow said.

“Unfortunately, these injuries have the potential to be truly life‑changing and can cause lifelong disfigurement and scarring.”

Safer Cold & Flu Remedies

• Drink plenty of fluids
• Use decongestant sprays
• Try vapour rubs or salt water nasal rinses
• Rest and allow your body to recover naturally

Mr Yarrow emphasised that quick action is vital:

“Should the worst happen and a burn injury occur, remembering the 3Cs can make all the difference. Cooling the burn properly and seeking help quickly reduces the potential for long‑term injury or scarring.”

Burns First Aid – The 3Cs

• Cool the burn with running cold tap water for 20 minutes
• Call for help – dial 999, 111 or contact your GP
• Cover loosely with cling film or a sterile, non‑fluffy dressing

Extra winter warning: hot water bottles

The centre also reminded people to take care with hot water bottles, which continue to cause scald injuries each winter.

Advanced practitioner occupational therapist Janine Evans said:

“We’re not saying not to use hot water bottles, we’re saying that if you must use them, to ensure to use them safely. It’s all about minimising the risk of an accident happening.”

Health experts at Swansea Bay University Health Board say both warnings carry the same message: simple home remedies can carry hidden dangers. Whether it’s bowls of boiling water for steam inhalation or ageing hot water bottles, everyday items can cause devastating burns if used unsafely.

They urge the public to avoid steam inhalation altogether, follow NHS‑recommended remedies for colds and flu, and take extra care with hot water bottles this winter.

#burnsAndPlasticSurgery #BurnsFirstAid #coldRemedy #colds #flu #hotWaterBottle #steamInhalation #SwanseaBayNHS #SwanseaBayUniversityHealthBoard

Since 2019, the Welsh Centre for Burns and Plastic Surgery in Morriston Hospital has seen 60 firework-related injuries. 

While some burns will heal on their own, more severe burns could require a skin graft.

Staff at the Morriston centre have urged people to take care around fireworks and bonfires this year.

Louise Ball, Tempest Burns ITU ward manager, said:

“Fireworks can cause severe injury including burns, loss of fingers or sight and they can cause permanent disfigurement.

“We have seen numerous injuries over the years, nothing that has required treatment in intensive care thankfully.

“We have seen injuries in young children where a firework has accidentally gone off in the wrong direction and hit the child.

“We have also seen some injuries amongst adolescents who have been joking around.

“The injuries we see have varied. Some have been a full thickness burn which may require skin grafting but they can be minor burns that can be treated and will heal.”

People are encouraged to attend organised displays but if they can’t, they should buy fireworks from a licensed retailer and make sure to read the instructions first.

“We advise that fireworks should only be used in a supervised environment. The safest place to enjoy them is at an organised public display,” Louise added.

“We discourage people from letting off fireworks or lighting fires in gardens.

“If people are going to build bonfires, they should be in a safe location with appropriate permissions. They should be an appropriate size and located well away from people, trees and properties.

“You should never light a bonfire with an accelerant, such as petrol.

“If people are going to use fireworks, they should make sure to buy them from a licensed retailer and read the instructions.

“Make sure they are used a safe distance away from any bystanders, buildings and trees or where they may distract drivers.

“Never relight them or approach them once they’ve been used.

“If people use a launch tab, make sure they are secured adequately as they can fall over and then the fireworks can go off in any direction.”

Sparklers can also be popular amongst children around bonfire night, with people urged to take care with these too.

“Make sure children are always wearing gloves and holding them away from their body, face and other people,” continued Louise.

“You should also make sure they are discarded safely into a bucket or something sturdy containing cold water, to extinguish them.

“If you do handle fireworks, you should be sensible and never throw them and definitely never throw them towards another person or a building.

“If someone’s clothing catches on fire, they should stop what they are doing, drop and roll to extinguish the flames.

“If someone sustains a burn or scald they should use cool running water for 20 to 30 minutes and seek medical help.”

The NHS website provides the following information on treating burns and scalds:

• Getting the person away from the heat source immediately

• Removing any clothing or jewellery near the burnt skin

• Cooling the burn with cool or lukewarm running water for 20 to 30 minutes, and not using iced water or any creams or greases like butter

• Keeping the person warm with blankets, not touching the burnt area

• Once the burn is cool, covering it with cling film or a clean plastic bag

• Using painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen to treat any pain

• Raising the affected area to reduce any swelling

• Dialling 999 for acid or chemical burns, removing contaminated clothing and rinsing the burn with as much clean water as possible.

[Lead image Swansea University Health Board]

https://swanseabaynews.com/2024/11/02/burns-specialists-urge-public-to-take-care-as-bonfire-night-approaches/

#burnsAndPlasticSurgery #MorristonHospital #SwanseaUniversityHealthBoard