We interrupt your regularly scheduled programming to bring you this public service announcement courtesy of Melvira...
Ladies and gentlemen, those white, rolled paper lollipop sticks are NOT a good substitute for actual wodden caramel apple sticks. I had the hankering to make a batch of apples, so I whipped up a batch of fresh homemade caramel, set up some bowls of various toppings to dip in, and once the caramel hit a lovely 240 degrees (so it stays nice and soft on the apple) I grabbed my first apple and dipped it. This is where it went horribly awry. Since I was out of apple sticks, I just used those nice white lolly sticks, it seemed ok when I picked it up and wiggled it a little. Not as strong as the wood sticks, but not bad. I was not taking into consideration the weight of the caramel. When I lifted the apple, the stick bent and BURNING HOT CARAMEL dripped down onto the back of my thumb. If you've ever made caramel, you know it sticks like glue instead of wiping away... not good. I did end up finishing the batch with the rickety sticks, but I had to change my method and be a lot more careful. Needless to say, I now have a box of 1,000 apple sticks so this will not happen again. Please learn from my stupidity! 
I believe this may have been a 3rd degree burn (isn't that the really bad one?) and I couldn't get to sleep the night it happened because of the pain. Please, do NOT try this at home folks! (Not to mention that they turned out a little sloppy since I did them with one hand! Hehehe!)
I make caramel often and I can just feel your pain 
aww darlin, that must have hurt really badly! it looks like a hot glue burn...hmm ...hot glue...hot caramel...likely not much difference in temperature there.
You have second degree burn...blisters and pain...I have burned myself many times like that in the kitchen. Cold running water is the best immediate remedy. Then antibiotic ointment and a bandaid, especially if the blister breaks. Aspirin or Motrin (if you can take it) is good for the pain and the inflammation.
First degree is like sunburn.
Third degree is the worst, yes, because it kills the tissue and the nerves, and often doesn't hurt, though the skin around the burn might be very painful.
Sorry, that was the ER nurse in me...can't seem to help myself 
PS: Your Caramel Apples look beautiful 
I can verify your pain. Nothing eats flesh faster than hot sugar concoctions. I have a burn scar from when I was twelve years old and making fudge... my ever present reminder. Thanks for posting the folly of lolly sticks in apples... here's to your healing quickly.
Uh-oh SugarFrosted!!! You just made it onto my list of knowledgable people to pester when something hurts! 
Thanks for that information and I'll try not to turn you into my own personal nurse!! 
Thanks everyone for your pity, I appreciate it greatly! It's healing, but it looks like it might have a touch of infection. (I used Neosporin and band-aids... what gives??? 
)
Anyway, I was so pleased when my box of apple sticks showed up via UPS yesterday because while at the store I found a stellar deal on Granny Smith apples, so I am dying to make another batch! 
I am a glutton for punishment! Hey... when you fall off the horse, right??
I hope I saved someone from making my silly mistake!
Uh-oh SugarFrosted!!! You just made it onto my list of knowledgable people to pester when something hurts!
Thanks for that information and I'll try not to turn you into my own personal nurse!! Thanks everyone for your pity, I appreciate it greatly! It's healing, but it looks like it might have a touch of infection. (I used Neosporin and band-aids... what gives???
)Anyway, I was so pleased when my box of apple sticks showed up via UPS yesterday because while at the store I found a stellar deal on Granny Smith apples, so I am dying to make another batch!
I am a glutton for punishment! Hey... when you fall off the horse, right?? I hope I saved someone from making my silly mistake!
You can ask me anything anytime
Just bear in mind, I might not have the answer
because I'm not a doctor (and we all know THEY know everything )
Bless your heart (and your hand hehe).. I hope it heals quickly! There's a spray you can get at the pharmacy called Dermoplast that will numb it!
I did that the last time I made caramel, only I got it on my thumb and forefinger, and when it happened I jerked back, and since I was holding a dishtowel, I just carelessly slung it back over my shoulder. Another mistake bc apparently I'd somehow gotten hot caramel on the towel, and my tank top didnt offer much protection. Hehe, probably the best caramel I've ever made though.
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