What is the recommended method to cool a minor burn?

What is the recommended method to cool a minor burn?

• A. Apply heat
• B. Hold under running hot water
• C. Hold under cold water or apply cool, wet compresses until pain subsides
• D. Cover with plastic wrap

Answer: (C)

Cooling a minor burn promptly is the key step to limit tissue damage and ease pain. The best method is to run cool (not cold) water over the burn or apply cool, wet compresses, and continue this until the pain subsides. This approach lowers skin temperature, slows the injury process, and helps prevent further damage without harming the tissue. Do not use heat or hot water, as that adds heat to the burn and can worsen injury. Also avoid covering the area with plastic wrap during the cooling phase, since it can trap heat and moisture and raise infection risk. After cooling, a light dressing can protect the area, and seek medical care if the burn is large, or involves the face, hands, feet, joints, or genitals, or if pain persists or signs of infection appear.

Cooling a minor burn promptly is the key step to limit tissue damage and ease pain. The best method is to run cool (not cold) water over the burn or apply cool, wet compresses, and continue this until the pain subsides. This approach lowers skin temperature, slows the injury process, and helps prevent further damage without harming the tissue. Do not use heat or hot water, as that adds heat to the burn and can worsen injury. Also avoid covering the area with plastic wrap during the cooling phase, since it can trap heat and moisture and raise infection risk. After cooling, a light dressing can protect the area, and seek medical care if the burn is large, or involves the face, hands, feet, joints, or genitals, or if pain persists or signs of infection appear.