What is the procedure for handling minor burns?

What is the procedure for handling minor burns?

• A. Hold the burn under cool running water, apply cool compresses, and loosely bandage the area.
• B. Apply ice directly to the burn.
• C. Use butter or toothpaste.
• D. Rinse with hot water.

Answer: (A)

Cooling the burn quickly limits ongoing tissue damage and relieves pain. The recommended approach for a minor burn is to hold the affected area under cool running water for several minutes (often 10–20) or apply a cool, wet compress until the pain eases. After it’s cooled, protect the skin with a clean, loose dressing so it isn’t exposed to friction or infection. Ice should not be used because extreme cold can worsen tissue damage, and substances like butter or toothpaste aren’t appropriate medical treatments—they can trap heat or introduce bacteria. Rinsing with hot water adds heat and can worsen the burn. For minor burns, this cooling and covering is typically enough, but watch for signs that medical care is needed, such as a burn larger than a few inches, severe pain, swelling, blistering that won’t heal, or if it affects the face, hands, feet, joints, or genitals. Seek medical help if any of those situations occur or if you’re unsure about the burn’s severity.

Cooling the burn quickly limits ongoing tissue damage and relieves pain. The recommended approach for a minor burn is to hold the affected area under cool running water for several minutes (often 10–20) or apply a cool, wet compress until the pain eases. After it’s cooled, protect the skin with a clean, loose dressing so it isn’t exposed to friction or infection. Ice should not be used because extreme cold can worsen tissue damage, and substances like butter or toothpaste aren’t appropriate medical treatments—they can trap heat or introduce bacteria. Rinsing with hot water adds heat and can worsen the burn. For minor burns, this cooling and covering is typically enough, but watch for signs that medical care is needed, such as a burn larger than a few inches, severe pain, swelling, blistering that won’t heal, or if it affects the face, hands, feet, joints, or genitals. Seek medical help if any of those situations occur or if you’re unsure about the burn’s severity.