Why is a steam burn more severe than a hot water burn?

Condition analysis:
A magicaly property of water-steam is the huge amount of energy involved in the "Latent Heat of Vaporization", that's the energy required to vaporize water to steam after the fluid is at boiling temperature (nominal 212F). To heat water takes about 1 BTU/lb-Deg F so heating water from 112 to 212 takes about 100 BTU, once at 212 F it take another about 1,000 BTU to vaporize it, no change in temperature, still at 212 F. So going the other way, such as with a steam burn your skin must remove that same 1,000 BTU just to condense the steam before the temperature drops at all. So answer is not just the temperature but the huge amount of energy in the steam that holds that temperature. With water, by the time 100 BTU/lb are transferred to your body, water is down to 112 F, if you get hit with steam, your body must absorb 1,100 BTU/lb of steam before you get to that condition. Get it? 11-time more energy so a very much worse burn.

Instructions:
1. Cold Water: Stop a burn from spreading by running cold water over the burn area for several minutes within seconds of being burned.

You can also place a cold compress over the affected area. Repeat the remedy every few hours to relieve the discomfort. Do not use ice as it can restrict blood flow, which can eventually cause damage to the delicate tissues.

2. Raw Potato: Raw potato can treat minor skin burns due to its anti-irritating and soothing properties. It will alleviate the pain and reduce the chance of having blisters.

-- Simply cut a slice of raw potato and rub it on the burn, making sure the juice from the potato is releasing over the area.

-- Another option is to grate a raw potato and apply it on the affected area for about 15 minutes.

For best results, use either of these remedies soon after the burn occurs.