What Happens If You Put Ice On A Burn?

When you experience a burn, the first thing that comes to your mind is to put ice on a burn right? As it is a natural instinct that when something is burnt or hot applying ice can help in soothing your burn wound. But have you ever wondered if applying ice is really safe? Let’s explore the answer to it. 

What is a burn?

Burns are a form of tissue damage and are quite common. You can get a burn from too much heat or radiation, such as from the sun. They can also be caused by strong chemicals, electricity, or friction. 

Mild burns typically heal on their own with home care, but severe burns can cause significant damage and may even be life threatening. If you have a deep burn or one that covers a large area of your body, seek medical help right away. You might need urgent care.

What are the types of burns?

There are different types of burns and the type you have depends on how deep the burn goes beneath your skin and whether it affects other tissues like fat, muscle, or bone. 

• First-degree burns:

These are called superficial burns. They are less severe than other types of burns, but they can still be painful and typically cause the outer layer of your skin (the epidermis) to become red. 

• Second-degree burns:

Also known as partial thickness burns, these affect both the epidermis and the lower layer of your skin (dermis). Second-degree burns can lead to pain, redness, swelling, and blistering. 

• Third-degree burns:

Your doctor might refer to this as full-thickness burn. This type of burn penetrates through the outer and inner layers of skin, reaching even the underlying fat tissue. It requires immediate medical attention and can cause the skin to appear white, blackened, or charred. If nerves are damaged, you may lose sensation in the affected area. 

• Fourth-degree burns:

These burns go beyond third-degree burns, reaching as deep as muscles, tendons, and bones. They can severely damage or destroy nerve endings, leading to numbness in the affected area. Fourth-degree burns are life threatening and require medical attention to avail the best way to treat a burn. 

What are the signs of a burn?

Burns can cause visible signs depending on the severity of the burn. The common symptoms can include:

• Redness with or without blistering
• Swelling 
• Pain at the burn site
• Visibly deep burn
• Skin that appears leathery 

Although first-degree burns do not require medical attention, any signs of a moderate to severe burn need to undergo medical care to avoid complications. 

Why should you not apply ice on a burn?

Applying ice or very cold water to a burn reduces blood flow to the area, which can slow down the healing process. While ice or ice water may temporarily numb the burn, it can also cause frostnip, an early and risky stage of frostbite. 

An ice burn can be more harmful than it seems. Since the skin is already hurt from the heat, you might not notice that the ice is making it too cold. This can cause lasting damage with blood flow. So what’s the best way to treat a burn instead of using ice or cold water for burns? The right approach depends on the severity of the burn. 

What should you not do as a part of burn treatment?

Although we spend a lot of time around a fire, most people aren’t familiar with proper burn treatment, and there are many myths about what to use if a burn happens. Serious burns should always be treated by a burn specialist. For mild burns you are treating at home, here are four things you should never do:

• Butter:

A popular home remedy is to put oil or butter on a burn, thinking it will cool and soothe the area. However, there’s no proof that butter or other greasy substances like mayonnaise or petroleum jelly help burns heal. In fact, they can trap heat in the wound, slowing down the healing process. Additionally, bacteria from butter and other food items can increase the risk of infection.

• Honey:

Honey has natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities, so it’s no wonder it’s been used to treat burns for centuries. However, regular honey from your kitchen isn’t suitable for burn treatment. Instead, medical-grade honey (MGH) dressings, which are sterilized for safe use on wounds, can be effective for minor burns. But if you have a pollen allergy, be cautious when using MGH.

• Mustard:

There’s no scientific proof that mustard helps treat burns. In fact, it may worsen skin irritation. While mustard might make your skin feel warm, that doesn’t mean it’s healing. The vinegar in mustard can actually cause a reaction that aggravates the burn, increases the risk of infection, and makes symptoms worse.

• Toothpaste:

Another myth about treating burns is that you should apply toothpaste—but this can actually make things worse. Toothpaste can increase the pain of a burn and raise the risk of infection and burn scarring. Its ingredients aren’t made to heal burns and can irritate the wound further.

What are the steps to treat a minor burn?

A minor burn, or first-degree burn, is warm, red, and painful, but it doesn’t blister. You can get this type of burn from briefly touching something hot or being splashed with hot liquid. Sunburn without blisters is also a first-degree burn.

1. Use cool or room temperature water:

Cool the burn by applying water for five to 20 minutes. You can do this by running tap water over the burn, soaking the affected area in water, or using a clean, wet cloth.

2. Moisturize the area:

Once the skin has cooled down, gently apply a moisturizer, such as aloe vera.

3. Protect the burn:

To protect the burn from pressure or friction, cover it with a fresh, dry cloth or a nonstick bandage.

4. Clean and prevent the infection:

As the burn heals, clean it with mild soap when necessary and apply an antibiotic cream to help prevent infection.

What are the steps to treat a burn with blisters?

1. Use clean and cool water:

Avoid using water that could be contaminated, such as from a lake, river, or stream, because bacteria in that water can lead to infection. If you can’t access tap water, use bottled water instead. A clean, wet cloth is also a good option.

2. Avoid pulling away any clothing:

If something is stuck to the burn, don’t try to remove it yourself. Let the healthcare professionals at urgent care or the emergency room handle it.

3. Avoid any sprays or ointments:

Using butter, oil, ointment, or first-aid sprays can trap heat in your skin, which can worsen the wound.

4. Do not pop the blister:

The skin under the blister can get infected.

How long do blisters last?

Your recovery time will vary based on how severe and deep your burn is. First-degree burns typically don’t cause blisters. However, if you have a second-degree burn, blisters may last for 1 to 3 weeks. For more serious burns, you might require surgery with a skin graft to treat any blisters that develop. 

How to treat a third-degree burn?

If your skin is blackened or the burn reaches the bone, you have a third-degree burn, which is a medical emergency.

What are the complications that might arise if burn treatment is not received?

It is crucial to seek immediate treatment for severe burns, as they can result in serious health problems including:

• Sepsis, which is a serious infection 
• Hypothermia 
• Tetanus 
• Breathing issues 
• Joint and bone issues 
• Scars or disfigurement
• Issues with fighting off infections

Burns can also impact your mental health. You might experience depression, nightmares, or persistent thoughts about the injury. If you’re having difficulty in managing scars or disfigurement, reach out to the plastic surgery specialist in Coimbatore.

What are the tips to prevent a burn?

You can take a few easy steps to prevent burns at home, particularly in the kitchen:

• Turn pot and pan handles toward the back to avoid hitting them by accident, and always keep a close eye on anything on the stove. 
• Wear oven mitts.
• When you’re cooking, avoid holding your infant or young child. 
• Keep children away from any hot appliances. 
• Cover electrical outlets with caps.
• Make sure your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors have working batteries so they function properly.
• Never smoke in bed.
• Set your home’s hot water temperature to no more than 120 degrees, and always check the water temperature before placing your child in the bathtub.
• Before putting your child in the car, check the temperature of any buckles or straps, especially if the car has been sitting in the sun.
• Be cautious with chemicals and wear protective goggles when using them. When not in use, store them out of reach of children, preferably in a locked, childproof area.
• Keep electrical appliances away from water, unplug them when you’re not using them, and store them in a safe place away from kids.

What is the outlook for the victims of burn?

With the right treatment, most first- and second-degree burns heal within two to three weeks. Depending on how severe the burn is, you may have some scarring that may fade over time. People recovering from third-degree burns often need physical and occupational therapy to keep their joints flexible and improve their function. Some individuals may experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or depression after a burn injury. Thanks to advances in medical care, many people who suffer burns over as much as 90% of their bodies are able to survive.

Important Takeaway:

Mild burns typically heal within a few weeks with home care. However, more serious burns may require medical attention, which could involve prescription medications, specialized wound care, or surgery. If you’re unsure about how to treat your burn, it’s best to reach out to a  burn treatment hospital in Coimbatore for guidance.