Can a cool wet rag be used to treat a burn?

Using a Cool Wet Rag for Burns: First Aid Guidelines

A cool wet rag is an appropriate first aid treatment for burns and should be applied immediately after injury for at least 10 minutes. 1

Immediate Cooling Treatment for Burns

• Apply cool (15-25°C) running water to the burn as soon as possible for at least 10 minutes 2, 1
• If running water is not available, a clean, cool wet rag or compress is an acceptable alternative 1
• Cooling reduces pain, edema, depth of injury, and speeds healing 2
• Strong evidence supports active cooling of thermal burns 2

Important Cautions

• Do not use ice directly on burns - this can cause tissue ischemia and further damage 2, 1, 3
• Avoid prolonged cooling of large burns, especially in children and elderly patients, as this may cause hypothermia 2, 1
• Never apply butter, oils, or home remedies to burns 1, 4

After Cooling the Burn

1. For superficial burns (first-degree):

   • Apply an emollient to limit inflammation and prevent desiccation 5
   • Cover with a loose sterile dressing if needed 1

2. For partial-thickness burns (second-degree):

   • Leave blisters intact to improve healing and reduce pain 2, 1
   • Apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment if no known allergies 2, 1
   • Cover with a sterile, non-adherent dressing applied loosely 1

3. Pain management:

   • Administer acetaminophen or NSAIDs for pain control 1, 4
   • Cooling itself helps reduce pain 2, 6

When to Seek Medical Attention

Seek immediate medical care for burns that:

• Affect the hands, face, feet, or genitals 1
• Are full-thickness (third-degree) 1
• Cover >10% total body surface area (TBSA) in children or >20% in adults 1
• Show signs of infection (increased redness, warmth, swelling, discharge, or fever) 1
• Appear unlikely to heal within 14 days 6

Monitoring the Burn

• Regularly evaluate the wound for signs of infection 1
• Monitor for proper healing progression
• For extensive burns, monitor fluid balance and nutritional status 1

The evidence strongly supports the use of cool water treatment for burns, with a cool wet rag being an acceptable alternative when running water is unavailable. This approach is endorsed by major organizations including the American Heart Association 2 and is supported by research showing improved healing outcomes 3.