Steam burns look similar to other types of thermal burns. In general, symptoms may include:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Pain
- Blisters
- Sloughing or shedding of the skin
- Leaking fluid from injured areas
Steam burns can be especially dangerous if the steam is inhaled. This is also true if it contacts the eyes. Symptoms of an inhalation injury include:
- Shortness of breath
- Coughing
- Wheezing
- Difficulty swallowing
People who receive steam burns to the eyes may experience vision loss.