"It's So Cold": Portable Hand Warmers for Children... Beware of Low-Temperature Burns

Be Cautious of Prolonged Exposure to Low-Temperature Home Heating Appliances

The cold wave that arrived with the New Year is expected to reach its peak during the first weekend of 2026.

According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, as of 5 a.m. on January 3, the temperature in Seoul dropped to minus 9.5 degrees Celsius, and even the southern regions recorded sub-zero temperatures, signaling a severe cold snap. In particular, the wind chill is expected to make it feel even colder, so extra caution regarding health is necessary. After the weekend, the cold is expected to ease temporarily, but sub-zero temperatures are forecast to return during the week.

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Every winter, the harsh cold wave makes people reluctant to go outside, leading most to seek warmth indoors, either by sitting on heated floors or using household heating appliances. As heating costs have soared, more households have switched from boilers to electric mats and electric heaters. However, the number of patients visiting hospitals due to unexpected burns caused by heating appliances used to escape the cold has also increased each year.

During winter, people frequently use heating appliances such as electric blankets, heaters, and heat packs in daily life to keep their bodies warm. However, improper use of these devices in pursuit of warmth can result in low-temperature burns, so caution is necessary.

Generally, burns refer to skin damage caused by high temperatures. In contrast, low-temperature burns occur when the skin is exposed for extended periods to relatively low temperatures, around 40 to 50 degrees Celsius. Prolonged exposure to heat reduces blood circulation to the affected area, and the accumulated heat cannot disperse to other areas, causing the local temperature to rise and resulting in burns. At temperatures below 45 degrees Celsius, tissue damage is minimal, but between 45 and 50 degrees Celsius, partial cell damage can occur, and above 50 degrees Celsius, the protein components of cells are altered.

Indoor heating appliance. Provided by Clipart Korea (not related to the news).

Symptoms of low-temperature burns typically include pigmentation, red spots, thermal erythema, itching, and blisters.

Unlike ordinary burns, low-temperature burns develop slowly at lower temperatures, making them harder to recognize immediately. This is especially true for elderly individuals who find it difficult to go outside and are more sensitive to cold; they may use heating appliances for long periods and fail to notice the symptoms promptly, resulting in delayed hospital visits and more severe aftereffects.

Infants with delicate skin and children or adolescents with conditions like atopic dermatitis are at greater risk of low-temperature burns if they use heat packs or portable hand warmers for extended periods.

Not only indoors, but also outdoors-where winter camping has become more popular-people frequently use heating appliances. In these cases, outdoor activity can dull skin sensitivity, increasing the risk of burns from heating devices. Additionally, because warmth is not felt immediately, people may get too close to the appliance, which can lead to high-temperature burns if a fire occurs, so extra caution is needed.

For low-temperature burns, emergency treatment is especially important. As with general burn care, the first step is to cool the affected area with cool water or saline solution, then apply burn ointment and cover it with gauze. However, using excessively cold water, ice, or a strong stream of water should be avoided, as these can worsen the burn. If the burn is severe, it is best to visit a nearby hospital for treatment immediately after initial first aid.

Bae Kangho, Head of the Department of Surgery at Ulsan Elijah Hospital, stated, "While people can immediately recognize the sensation of high heat, relatively low temperatures may not feel hot, leading to prolonged exposure to heat. In particular, elderly people and infants with less sensitive skin, as well as those who have consumed alcohol, taken medication, or have reduced sensation due to conditions such as diabetes, need to be especially careful when using heating appliances in winter."

Since everyone is at risk of low-temperature burns in winter, it is important to follow the instructions for each type of heating appliance. Electric mats should be kept at around 37 degrees Celsius, close to body temperature, and should be used with a blanket or quilt to avoid direct contact with the skin.

For heat packs and portable hand warmers, use a cover or handkerchief to prevent direct skin contact. Heaters should be kept at least one meter away, and should not be used for long periods to prevent overheating and fire hazards. As a warm indoor environment can make it easy to fall asleep, always turn off heating appliances or set them to a lower temperature before going to bed.

If you must use heating appliances for extended periods, ventilate the room frequently and use hand cream or lotion to keep the skin moisturized. Elderly people, infants, and patients with atopic dermatitis or weakened skin, as well as those who have consumed alcohol, should be especially careful, and it is best to use heating appliances under the supervision of a caregiver whenever possible.