15 Nov Cold Water Treatment Of Thermal Burns

Cold Water Treatment of Thermal Burns

Thermal burns can result from contact with hot surfaces, steam, flames, hot liquids, or other sources of heat. Prompt first aid can limit additional tissue damage, reduce pain, and improve the outcome of a minor burn.

The first priority is to stop the burning process and remove the person from the source of heat without putting yourself at risk.

Cool the Burn

For a minor thermal burn, cool the affected area as soon as possible with cool or lukewarm running water.

• Place the burned area under clean, cool running water as soon as practical.
• Cool the burn for approximately 20 minutes.
• If running water is unavailable, use a clean, cool, wet compress and replace or re-wet it as necessary.
• Remove rings, watches, belts, or other tight items near the burned area before swelling develops, provided they are not stuck to the skin.
• After cooling, loosely cover the burn with a clean, sterile, non-stick dressing.

Do not use ice or extremely cold water. Ice can further damage burned tissue and may contribute to hypothermia, particularly when applied to large burns.

Cooling a burn for hours or days is not recommended. Prolonged cooling can lower body temperature and cause additional complications.

What Not to Do

Avoid home remedies or treatments that can worsen the injury or interfere with medical treatment.

• Do not apply butter, grease, oils, creams, or ointments unless directed by a healthcare professional.
• Do not break blisters.
• Do not remove clothing or other material that is stuck to burned skin.
• Do not apply ice directly to the burn.
• Do not attempt to neutralize a chemical burn with another chemical.

Chemical and electrical burns require different precautions and should not automatically be treated in the same manner as a minor thermal burn.

When to Seek Emergency Medical Care

Call emergency medical services or obtain prompt professional medical attention for:

• Deep or severe burns;
• Large burns;
• Burns involving the face, eyes, hands, feet, genital area, or major joints;
• Electrical or significant chemical burns;
• Burns involving the airway or possible smoke inhalation;
• Charred, white, leathery, or numb skin;
• Burns that completely encircle a limb or other body part; or
• Any burn when the severity is uncertain.

For a severe burn, do not immerse large areas of the body in cold water, because this can cause dangerous loss of body heat. Follow the workplace emergency-response plan and obtain emergency medical assistance.

Remember

When a thermal burn occurs, stop the burning process, cool a minor burn promptly with cool running water for about 20 minutes, protect the injury, and obtain medical care when necessary. Never use ice directly on burned tissue.