Burns are common injuries. Proper immediate care is important to minimize damage and promote healing. While many common first aid approaches are well-intentioned, some can actually be harmful, making it important to understand the correct steps for treating a burn.
Dangers of Applying Ice to Burns
Applying ice directly to a burn can cause further damage to injured skin. The extreme cold triggers vasoconstriction, narrowing blood vessels. This reduces blood flow to the affected area, depriving compromised tissue of oxygen and nutrients needed for recovery. This reduced circulation can lead to additional tissue damage, similar to frostbite, complicating the burn.
Ice can also mask the extent of the burn. While it might numb the pain temporarily, this numbing effect can prevent an accurate assessment of the injury’s depth and severity, potentially delaying necessary medical attention. Furthermore, extreme cold slows cellular metabolism, impeding natural healing and prolonging recovery. Damaged tissue and blisters from cold exposure can create openings for bacteria, increasing infection risk.
Proper Immediate Burn Care
For minor burns, immediate first aid involves cooling the burn with running water. Hold the burn under cool (not cold or icy) running water for 10 to 20 minutes. This continuous cooling helps reduce pain, decrease swelling, and prevent the burn from progressing deeper into the skin.
Before swelling begins, gently remove any jewelry or tight clothing from the burned area. Swelling can occur rapidly, and constricting items might impede circulation.
After cooling, cover the burn loosely with a clean, non-stick dressing or plastic bag to protect it from infection and air exposure. This covering also helps reduce pain by keeping air off the injured skin. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can manage discomfort. Avoid applying substances like butter, oils, toothpaste, or creams to burns, as these can trap heat, introduce bacteria, and worsen the injury.
When to Seek Professional Medical Help
Certain burn characteristics indicate the need for professional medical attention beyond home care. Seek immediate medical help for burns that are deep, appear white, leathery, charred, or have black patches. Burns larger than the affected person’s hand, or those encircling a limb, also require professional assessment.
Burns located on the face, hands, feet, genitals, or over major joints require evaluation by a healthcare professional. Signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, pus, foul-smelling drainage, or fever, warrant medical consultation. Additionally, burns from electricity or chemicals, or those affecting infants or the elderly, require prompt medical attention due to potential underlying damage or increased vulnerability.