Ice for Minor Burns

Minnesota Ice Harvest, ca. 1870

Never apply ice directly to a burn. Ice is commonly mentioned as a remedy for burns, but this is a misconception stemming from the fact that cooling a burn is helpful. It is important to cool burns, but it is much safer to do so by rinsing the burn with cool running water or using cold compresses made out of wet washcloths. Applying ice to a burn can damage the skin even more. Ice can stick to a wound or cause frostbite. In burn victims who have gone into shock, ice can make the shock worse.

Don't apply ice to a burn

Method

• Instead of using ice, hold the burned part of the body under a faucet of cool running water.
• Alternatively, you can immerse the burn in a basin, sink, or tub full of cool water. Minor kitchen burns, such as those on fingers, can be immersed in a glass of ice water for 15 minute periods.
• A third option is to use cool, wet cloths as cold compresses.

Why It Works

Cooling burns works by conducting heat away from the surface of the skin and reducing blood flow to the injured area.

Precautions

Do not apply ice to a burn; use cool water or cold compresses instead.

More Remedies

• Click here for all minor burn remedies