What is recommended for cooling a burn?

Cooling a burn is an essential part of first aid to help reduce pain, limit damage to the skin, and decrease the chance of scarring. Using water or a clean cool compress is recommended because it effectively lowers the temperature of the burn site and provides relief from pain.

When cooling a burn, it is important to use cool, not cold, water. This helps to avoid causing additional damage to the skin, which can occur with ice or very cold water. Furthermore, a clean cool compress can help to gently reduce swelling and soothe the area.

Other methods, such as leaving the area exposed to the air, do not provide any cooling effect and may allow heat to remain in the skin, prolonging the injury's pain and severity. Keeping a burn moist with water is vital in the initial treatment phase to have the best outcomes for healing and recovery.