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Ice pack for a burn: why first aid says cool water, not ice
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- Sterile non-stick gauze pads and rolled gauze. Best for: Covering a cooled minor burn at home. See options on Amazon
- Plastic cling wrap kept in the first aid kit. Best for: Covering a cooled burn on the way to care. See options on Amazon
- Aloe vera gel for minor burn aftercare. Best for: Soothing a small, unbroken minor burn once it is cooled. See options on Amazon
What first aid sources say about ice on burns
Every first aid source cited here steers you to water, not ice:
- MedlinePlus (NIH): for a minor burn, run cool water over the area or soak it in a cool water bath, and it adds "not ice water." For a severe burn, it says do not apply oil, butter, ice, medicines, cream, oil spray or any household remedy, and do not place a severe burn in cold water because this can cause shock.
- Mayo Clinic: run cool, not cold, water over a minor burn for about 10 minutes, and do not use cold water to cool a burn.
- British Red Cross: its own FAQ asks "Should I use ice to cool the burn?" and answers: use cold water to cool the burn, for at least 20 minutes.
- NHS: hold the burn under cool running water for 20 minutes, as soon as possible and within 3 hours of it happening.
The sources differ on cool or cold water and on timing, but none of them recommends an ice pack.
What to do instead, step by step
- Stop the burning. Move away from the heat source. Mayo Clinic says to remove the person from the source of the burn if it is safe to do so.
- Cool with running water. The NHS says 20 minutes under cool running water. MedlinePlus gives a range of 5 to 30 minutes. If there is no tap, the NHS suggests cool bottled water or a wet towel, and the British Red Cross mentions other cold drinks such as milk.
- Remove jewelry and loose clothing near the burn. The NHS says to remove clothing or jewellery near the area but not anything stuck to the skin. Mayo Clinic says to take off rings before swelling starts.
- Cover loosely. The NHS suggests laying cling film over the cooled burn and not wrapping it around, and the British Red Cross suggests loosely covering it with cling film or a clean plastic bag. Mayo Clinic suggests a clean, loose bandage.
- Leave blisters alone. Mayo Clinic says not to pop them.
What not to put on a burn
| Do not use | Source |
|---|---|
| Ice or an ice pack on a severe burn | MedlinePlus |
| Ice water bath | MedlinePlus |
| Cold water (Mayo Clinic advises cool water) | Mayo Clinic |
| Butter, oil, toothpaste | Mayo Clinic, MedlinePlus |
| Creams, oils or butter | NHS |
| Cling film wrapped tightly around the burn | NHS |
Keep your ice packs for bumps and sprains; our gel ice packs guide covers that use. For burns caused by heating pads, see our heating pad burns and safety guide.
When a burn needs emergency care
MedlinePlus says to call 911 if the burn is about the size of your palm or larger, is severe (full thickness), is caused by chemicals or electricity, or if you are not sure how serious it is. Mayo Clinic adds burns larger than 3 inches (about 8 centimeters) across, burns that go through all layers of skin, and burns on the face, hands, feet, genitals, buttocks or a major joint. The NHS lists very large or deep burns, burns on the face, genitals or bottom, and chemical or electrical burns as reasons to go to A&E.
Babies and older adults may need emergency care even for a minor burn, according to Mayo Clinic.
Aftercare for a minor burn
- Keep it loosely covered and clean.
- Once the burn is cooled and healing, Mayo Clinic suggests a lotion with aloe vera or cocoa butter to soothe the skin.
- Mayo Clinic notes you may need a tetanus booster for a deep burn if you have not had one in the past five years.
- MedlinePlus advises contacting your provider if a minor burn still hurts after 48 hours.
What to look for when you buy
Sterile non-stick gauze pads and rolled gauze
Best for: Covering a cooled minor burn at home
Mayo Clinic suggests a clean, loose bandage for a minor burn, and MedlinePlus suggests a dry, sterile bandage or clean dressing after cooling a minor burn.
Watch out: Wrap loosely. The NHS says not to use plasters or sticky dressings on a burn, and not to burst blisters.
See options on AmazonPlastic cling wrap kept in the first aid kit
Best for: Covering a cooled burn on the way to care
The NHS suggests laying cling film over a cooled burn, and the British Red Cross suggests loosely covering it with cling film.
Watch out: Lay it over the burn. The NHS says not to wrap it around the burned area.
See options on AmazonAloe vera gel for minor burn aftercare
Best for: Soothing a small, unbroken minor burn once it is cooled
Mayo Clinic suggests a lotion that contains aloe vera or cocoa butter after cooling, once healing begins.
Watch out: Not for severe, deep or blistered burns. MedlinePlus says not to put creams on a severe burn.
See options on AmazonQuestions people ask
- Should you put ice on a burn?
- No. MedlinePlus lists ice among things not to put on a severe burn and advises cool water, not ice water, for minor burns. The British Red Cross says to use cold water instead of ice.
- How long should I run a burn under water?
- The NHS says 20 minutes under cool running water, ideally within 3 hours. Mayo Clinic says about 10 minutes, and MedlinePlus gives 5 to 30 minutes.
- Can I use an ice pack if I have no running water?
- The NHS suggests cool bottled water or a wet towel instead, and the British Red Cross mentions other cold drinks such as milk. None of these sources suggests an ice pack.
- Should I put butter or cream on a burn?
- No. The NHS says not to put creams, oils or butter on burns. Mayo Clinic says butter, toothpaste and oil can trap heat.
- When should I go to the emergency room for a burn?
- Mayo Clinic says for burns larger than 3 inches across, deep burns, or burns on the face, hands, feet, genitals, buttocks or a major joint. Chemical and electrical burns also need emergency care.
Sources
- Burns (medlineplus.gov), NIH / MedlinePlus
- Burns: First aid (mayoclinic.org), Mayo Clinic
- First aid for burns (redcross.org.uk), British Red Cross
- Burns and scalds: Treatment (nhs.uk), NHS