A scald is a burn caused by hot water or steam.
Treatment depends on the extent of the tissue damage rather than on the cause.
About two million people in the U.S. each year are burned or scalded badly enough to need medical attention. Most of those who require medical attention are children or older people. Many of these burns occur in the home, and many could be prevented. First-degree burns affect only the outer layer of the skin, so they heal quickly. The skin may peel but does not break.