Which action is not recommended for a burn in the initial care?

Which action is not recommended for a burn in the initial care?

• A. Apply ice to the burn
• B. Stop the process
• C. Cool the burn with water
• D. Remove clothing around burn

Answer: (A)

In initial burn care, the priority is to stop the burning and limit tissue damage by cooling with water, not by using ice. Ice can cause a cold injury to the already damaged tissue and may constrict blood vessels, reducing blood flow and worsening injury. Cool running water for about 10 to 20 minutes is the recommended method because it helps lower the tissue temperature gently and reduces pain and swelling without causing further damage. Stopping the heat source is essential to prevent additional burning. If possible, remove clothing or jewelry around the burned area that isn’t stuck to the skin to prevent constriction and to assess the burn. After cooling, cover the area with a clean, nonstick dressing if available. Seek medical care if the burn is large, or if it involves the face, hands, feet, joints, genitals, or a child, elderly person, or someone with other medical concerns, or if there are signs of infection.

In initial burn care, the priority is to stop the burning and limit tissue damage by cooling with water, not by using ice. Ice can cause a cold injury to the already damaged tissue and may constrict blood vessels, reducing blood flow and worsening injury. Cool running water for about 10 to 20 minutes is the recommended method because it helps lower the tissue temperature gently and reduces pain and swelling without causing further damage.

Stopping the heat source is essential to prevent additional burning. If possible, remove clothing or jewelry around the burned area that isn’t stuck to the skin to prevent constriction and to assess the burn. After cooling, cover the area with a clean, nonstick dressing if available.

Seek medical care if the burn is large, or if it involves the face, hands, feet, joints, genitals, or a child, elderly person, or someone with other medical concerns, or if there are signs of infection.