How long should you cool a burn with water or compress?

Cooling a burn with water or a compress is critical for minimizing tissue damage, relieving pain, and preventing the burn from worsening. The recommended duration for cooling a burn is 10 minutes. This time frame allows for effective cooling of the affected area, facilitating the reduction of heat and inflammation, and helping to promote healing.

Cooling for too short of a period may not adequately reduce the temperature of the burn site. Conversely, cooling for an extended duration, such as 15 or 20 minutes, might not be necessary and could lead to discomfort or other complications. Some options offer durations longer than the recommended time, which may not yield additional benefits and could potentially be counterproductive. Therefore, cooling a burn with water or compress for 10 minutes strikes the appropriate balance for effective relief and treatment.