Scalding is a burn to the skin or flesh caused by moist heat and hot vapors such as steam. When the heat applied is approximately equivalent, a scald is deeper than a burn from dry heat and should be treated as a burn. Healing is slower and scar formation is greater.

Scalding is a second-degree burn which is deeper and results in splitting of skin layers or blistering. Scalding with hot water or a very severe sunburn are common instances of second-degree burns.

Tap water scald injuries are the...