Should you use ice on a burn?

Using ice on a burn is not advisable because it can lead to further tissue damage. When ice or ice-cold substances are applied directly to a burn, the extreme cold can exacerbate the injury by causing frostbite or additional thermal injury to the already compromised skin and underlying tissues.

Instead, the recommended first aid for burns involves cooling the affected area gently with cool (not ice-cold) water. This helps to alleviate pain and reduce temperature without causing more harm to the skin. It’s important to manage burn injuries appropriately to promote healing and minimize complications. Understanding the proper methods for treating burns is crucial for anyone in the field of paramedicine.