It is a common first instinct to apply ice to a burn, believing it will quickly alleviate pain and reduce damage. However, this practice is incorrect and can worsen the injury. Understanding proper first aid for burns is important for effective healing and to prevent complications.
How Burns Affect the Skin
A burn damages skin cells and tissues, extending through layers depending on severity. The skin, our body’s largest organ, acts as a protective barrier and regulates body temperature. Excessive heat compromises this function.
Thermal burns cause localized injury, and severe burns can trigger a systemic response. Heat retained within burned tissue continues to cause damage even after the source is removed. This ongoing cellular injury and inflammation can deepen the burn over time.
The Dangers of Using Ice on Burns
Applying ice directly to a burn can have harmful consequences, despite the initial numbing sensation. Extreme cold causes blood vessels in the affected area to constrict, a process known as vasoconstriction. This narrowing reduces blood flow to the already damaged tissue, impeding oxygen and nutrient delivery necessary for healing.
Reduced blood flow can worsen tissue damage, potentially leading to cell death. This prolongs healing and increases infection risk. Applying ice, especially for extended periods or to a large burn area, can also induce hypothermia, where the body’s core temperature drops to dangerously low levels.
There is also a risk of frostbite on compromised skin, which is vulnerable to temperature extremes. Frostbite results from water freezing within skin cells, forming ice crystals that damage cellular structures. This creates an “ice burn” on top of the existing thermal burn, leading to additional tissue damage and discomfort. The initial numbing effect of ice can also mask the burn’s true depth and severity, delaying proper assessment and potentially leading to inadequate care.
Immediate Care for Burns
Immediate burn care focuses on cooling the injured area effectively without causing additional damage. First, remove the heat source and any clothing or jewelry near the burnt area, unless stuck to the skin. Next, cool the burn with cool, not cold or icy, running water for at least 10 to 20 minutes.
This continuous cooling stops the burning process, reduces pain, and minimizes swelling. After cooling, gently cover the burn with a clean, non-stick dressing, such as cling film or a clean plastic bag, laid loosely over the area. This covering protects the wound from infection and reduces pain by preventing air exposure. Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can manage discomfort.
When Professional Medical Help is Needed
Knowing when to seek professional medical attention for a burn is important to prevent complications. Medical care is generally needed for partial-thickness burns larger than a person’s hand, or any full-thickness burn. Burns appearing white, charred, or leathery, regardless of size, also require medical assessment.
Burns on the face, neck, hands, feet, genitals, or over major joints should always be evaluated by a healthcare provider. Chemical or electrical burns, burns with smoke inhalation, or burns in infants, young children, or older adults, warrant immediate medical attention.