No, ice or ice-cold water should not be used on burns. While cool running water is crucial for initial first aid, extremely cold temperatures can cause further tissue damage.
Understanding Burn First Aid
The key is to cool the burn, but not with extremely cold temperatures. Several reputable sources emphasize the importance of using cool (not cold) running water:
- Cool running water: This is the recommended first-aid treatment for most burns. The goal is to dissipate heat and reduce pain, swelling, and the risk of scarring. (British Red Cross, Mayo Clinic, NHS)
- Duration: Cool the burn for at least 10-20 minutes, or even longer. The longer the burn is cooled, the better the outcome. (British Red Cross, UC Davis Health)
- Avoid ice: Applying ice or ice-cold water can worsen the burn and damage the affected tissues. The extreme cold constricts blood vessels, hindering the healing process. (Cleveland Clinic, HCA Houston Healthcare, State Urgent Care)
- Lukewarm water: In some cases, lukewarm running water might be preferred to cool water. This helps to maintain blood flow to the affected area, supporting healing. (NHS)
Why Cool Water Works:
Cool water effectively removes heat from the burned area, reducing the severity of the injury. It stabilizes blood flow and decreases inflammation. (UC Davis Health, PubMed)
What to Do After Cooling:
After cooling the burn with cool running water, loosely cover it with cling film or a clean plastic bag to protect it. Seek medical attention for severe burns. (British Red Cross)
