Burns

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I read somewhere recently, I think on another cooking site, that kitchen burns can be soothed by rubbing with a raw potato.

That may be the case, I don’t know, I’ve never tried it, but it’s not a good practice. At least, not before other action has been taken.

The important thing about most kitchen burns is that they tend to be caused by temperatures of 100C and higher. With that degree of heat animal tissue, including human flesh, starts to cook and continues doing so after the heat source has been removed.

It’s therefore vital to cool the affected area down as quickly as possible using cool running water, which should be applied for at least 15 minutes and may need much longer.

Only after that, and when the burn and surrounding skin feels cool to the touch, should you apply an ice pack, or even a raw potato!

If the skin is broken, or the burn area is larger than the ball of your thumb, seek medical advice as quickly as possible.