How should you treat burns from welding splatter?

• A. Cool with running water; cover with sterile dressing; seek medical help for severe burns.
• B. Rinse with bleach and apply ointment.
• C. Apply ice directly to the burn.
• D. Ignore for 24 hours and monitor.

Answer: (A)

Immediate cooling and protection are the primary steps for handling burns from welding splatter. Cool the burn with running water to quickly lower the skin temperature and limit tissue damage, ideally for several minutes. After cooling, cover the area with a clean, sterile dressing to protect it from contamination and reduce pain. Seek medical help if the burn is large, deep, or involves sensitive areas like the face, hands, feet, joints, or genitals, or if there are signs of significant blistering or spread of pain; larger or more severe burns require professional evaluation.

Rinsing with bleach is inappropriate because bleach is caustic and can worsen tissue damage. Applying ice directly to a burn can cause further tissue injury. Delaying care for 24 hours is unsafe, as burns can worsen and become infected or lead to complications.