The quickest relief for minor burns is to immediately hold the affected area under cool (not cold) running water for about 10 minutes. This effectively cools the skin, soothes the burn, and helps prevent further injury.
Different Types of Burns & Relief Methods
Several sources confirm the effectiveness of cool running water for first and second-degree burns. However, the approach varies slightly depending on the location and severity:
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Minor Burns on Body: Immediately immerse the burned area in cool tap water or apply cool, wet compresses for 10-20 minutes. Medical News Today recommends 20 minutes. Mayo Clinic suggests 10 minutes. Both emphasize the importance of cool, not cold, water.
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Burns on the Face: If the burn is on the face, applying a cool, wet cloth until the pain subsides is recommended instead of running water.
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Mouth Burns: For burns inside the mouth caused by hot food or drink, place a piece of ice in your mouth for a few minutes to alleviate the burning sensation. Matthews Family Dentistry supports this method.
Remember, these methods provide initial relief for minor burns. For severe burns (third-degree), seek immediate medical attention. Applying petroleum jelly after cooling the burn may also help. American Academy of Dermatology suggests this.
Important Considerations:
- Avoid: Applying ice directly to the burn, using home remedies like butter or toothpaste (these can trap heat), and applying pain-relief sprays (these can also trap heat). MyHealth.Alberta.ca warns against these practices.
- Remove: Remove any jewelry or tight clothing from the burned area to prevent constriction as the area swells. Mayo Clinic Health System recommends this.
