SEO Key Takeaways – Burn Treatment and Water Use
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Cold Water is Not Recommended – Applying ice-cold water to burns can worsen tissue damage, trap heat, and slow healing; lukewarm water is safer.
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Warm Water for Burn Relief – Running warm water over a burn improves microcirculation, reduces tissue damage, and supports the healing process.
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Avoid Contaminated Water – For burns with broken skin, ensure water is clean to prevent bacterial infections due to compromised immunity.
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Chemical Burns Require Extra Care – Remove affected clothing, wear gloves, and rinse the area with warm water for at least 30 minutes.
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Skip Ointments and Sprays Initially – Topical creams, butter, or ointments may trap heat and bacteria; only apply medically approved antibiotic creams for minor burns.
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Remove Clothing and Jewellery Safely – Take off items around the burn area quickly, but avoid forcibly removing stuck clothing to prevent further injury.
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Step-by-Step Burn Response – Remove from danger, cool the burn with lukewarm water for 20+ minutes, cover with sterile bandage, and monitor for infection.
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Never Apply Ice Directly – Ice or very cold water can restrict blood flow, cause frostnip/frostbite, and worsen nerve damage in severe burns.
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Treatment by Burn Severity – First-degree burns: pain relief and aloe vera; second-degree: antibiotic creams; third-degree: immediate medical attention with IV fluids and skin grafts.
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CPR First Aid Training Benefits – Learning proper burn treatment and first aid through CPR First Aid courses ensures readiness for emergencies and improves survival outcomes.
The phrase “opposites attract” often shapes the way we think. Just like magnets pull together or fire is extinguished by water, it seems natural to assume that water is the best remedy for burns.
But in reality, not all opposites work together beneficially. While cool water can help soothe minor burns, the situation becomes more complicated when dealing with severe burns. Does water always help, or could it sometimes make things worse?
On Water and Burns
If anyone has ever been burned, whether by holding a hot object or getting a little shocked, they can attest to the burning pain it causes. Burning is shockingly easy. All it takes is touching a water heater or kettle while boiling water and instant pain is sure to follow. The initial reaction to the hot feeling is to seek some cool water.
The most common thing people do is to run the burned area under running or tap water. This helps soothe the pain and counteract the heat.
The question now is, is it a good idea to do so?
Like many others, the answer is not a simple yes or no. Depending on the temperature, water can either be a boon or a hindrance. Some intricacies come into play, specifically when running water over a burn.
Cold Water
The widespread practice of running cold water on burns is now debunked. So why shouldn’t you put cold water on a burn? Medical experts and practitioners state cold water on a burn is not the way to go.
This is because of the affected tissues. Although cold water may sound like a good idea due to its opposite temperature, it negatively affects the burned area’s tissue.
Cold water can further damage these tissues. The initial soothing sensation disappears after 20 minutes. It also lowers the skin temperature.
In addition, a study on rats treated burns on these rodents with ice-cold water. The study found that those treated with cold water had more damage in the areas between the burns.
Warm Water
When treating a burn, running warm water over it is the best option.
In the same study, the rats treated with warm water had significantly less damage between the burned areas.
Warm water increases the skin’s microcirculatory perfusion, which relates to the vessels’ density and ability to provide nutrients, blood, and oxygen to the affected areas.
In addition, running warm water over a burn can help stop the spread of the burned area. Running cold water on burns stops the healing process.
Additional Tips For Water On a Burn
Broken Skin
Running warm water over a burn is undoubtedly a good idea. However, if layers of the skin are broken, you may want to hold off on this if you do not have access to a clean water supply.
If your skin is broken, certain things can get inside your body. Similarly, using water from a dirty source will likely introduce bacteria that could worsen the situation.
This is made much worse because a burn victim’s immune system is much lower than usual. Thus, bacteria could cause specific diseases that people would be better off without.
Chemical Burns
Chemical burns differ significantly from those caused by hot objects, fires, or scalds from hot water or liquids. They could be caused by chemicals like acid, paint thinners, and bleach, to name a few. When these chemicals come in contact with the skin or a person’s eyes, they cause significant irritation or tissue damage.
When this happens, warm water is still the best option. However, additional steps must be followed.
For starters, if someone else is treating the chemical burn, make sure they wear gloves. Remove any clothing that has also been affected by the chemical. If the burning or pain persists, repeat the burn over warm water for at least 30 minutes.
Avoid Ointment and Sprays
Some think ointment, sprays, topical creams, and lotions should be applied to burns after running water on them. This should be avoided.
For starters, ointment and butter only slow the heat release from the burned area. Furthermore, their sticky nature can attract and keep bacteria and viruses in, which could lead to infections when combined with a burn wound.
This isn’t to say that all ointments are harmful, though. Certain antibiotic ointments are recommended for minor burns and minor burn injuries.
Remove Clothing and Jewellery
Our last tip is to remove any clothing and jewellery from the area as quickly as possible after the water has been run over it.
This is important because heat can cause clothing and jewellery to become stuck on a person’s skin. Avoiding this can keep heat within the skin and even decrease the blood flow to the area.
While this is good, looking at the clothing first is best. If the clothing is stuck to the skin, do not touch it. Removing it could cause more wounds to open and invite infections.
Proper Burn Treatment
Now that you know the intricacies of the effects of running a burn underwater, let’s look at the proper step-by-step burn treatment.
Remove the Person From the Danger
The first step is to remove the person from danger. If they are still in contact with the heat source, you must stop that before you can do anything else.
If the person is on fire, you must stop, drop, and roll them. You will also need to call for medical help right away.
For other types of burns, move them away from the heat source or have someone else do it. Once they are out of danger, you can start the next treatment steps.
Cool the Burn
The next step is to cool the burn. This helps to soothe the pain and prevents further skin damage. You can do this by running lukewarm water over the burn for at least 20 minutes or using a cool, damp cloth. Remember to avoid using cold water on burns.
Cover the Burn
After you have cooled the burn, you need to cover it with a sterile adhesive bandage, wrap, or cling film. Ensure the wrap is loose so there is no pressure on the skin. You should also avoid putting ointment on the burn before wrapping it because this can trap heat.
You can use a clean sheet if you are wrapping a large area. Just make sure to secure it with tape.
Watch for Signs of Infection
Finally, it is best to watch for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, and pus. You must seek medical attention immediately if you see any of these signs. You should also see a doctor if the pain is severe or the burn covers a large body area.
By following these steps, you can adequately treat water on a burn and help to prevent further damage.
Why You Should Never Put Ice on a Burn
It’s common to think that ice or cold water can soothe a burn, much like it reduces swelling for minor injuries. While this may work for strained muscles or minor cuts, burns, especially second—or third-degree burns, require a different approach.
How Ice Affects a Burn
Burns Retain Heat – Heat remains trapped in the skin. Ice may provide a cooling sensation at first, but it can trap heat more profoundly into the tissue, worsening the damage.
Risk of Frostnip & Frostbite – Burned skin is already damaged, and applying ice can reduce blood flow, making the tissue even more vulnerable to frostbite. This can slow the healing process and increase the risk of permanent damage.
Nerve Damage & Circulation Problems – More severe burns can affect nerve function. Ice can further numb the area, making it difficult to feel when the skin is too cold. Prolonged exposure may lead to restricted blood flow, increasing the risk of infection and delayed healing.
Burn Treatments According to Degrees
Burn treatments are not the same for everyone. They vary depending on the severity of the burn and its cause.
Superficial or first-degree burns, such as sunburns, can be treated by cleaning the area and taking pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Home remedies like aloe vera can also be used.
Second-degree burns (partial thickness burns) affect the body’s top and lower layers or dermis. These result in pain, swelling, and blisters. Treatments for these burns from first-degree burns are also applicable. Antibiotic creams are also prescribed.
Third-degree burns or full-thickness burns are life-threatening, especially for young children. These severe burns require immediate medical attention from your healthcare provider. Medical care given includes skin grafts and IV fluids. Medical treatment is provided over several days.
In a Flash
Burns can be tricky to deal with. However, knowing the different effects of cold and warm water on a burn can help you better understand what you should and shouldn’t do.
Follow the proper steps to ensure the best possible outcome. If a person is experiencing severe or profound burns or other symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, a high body temperature, or a fever, it is best to seek medical attention immediately.
Like fires, burns can happen quickly. It is best to know how to offer treatment and care when they do.
Learn how to help with CPR First Aid’s Liverpool first aid course today. Our first aid training offers more than just knowledge on burns; it grants a solid foundation for managing a wide array of emergency situations.