What should you NOT apply to burn areas?

What should you NOT apply to burn areas?

• A. Ice or creams
• B. Sterile dressings only
• C. Ointments and lotions
• D. Water

Answer: (A)

Burn care aims to stop the burning and minimize further tissue damage. The recommended approach is to cool the area with cool running water for 10–20 minutes and then loosely cover with a clean, dry dressing. Ice should not be used because the extreme cold can cause additional tissue injury and frostbite, worsening the burn. Creams, ointments, or lotions should not be applied to a burn in the field since they can trap heat, introduce contaminants, and interfere with assessment and treatment. Keeping the area cooled with water and protected with sterile dressings is the safest, most effective course.

Burn care aims to stop the burning and minimize further tissue damage. The recommended approach is to cool the area with cool running water for 10–20 minutes and then loosely cover with a clean, dry dressing. Ice should not be used because the extreme cold can cause additional tissue injury and frostbite, worsening the burn. Creams, ointments, or lotions should not be applied to a burn in the field since they can trap heat, introduce contaminants, and interfere with assessment and treatment. Keeping the area cooled with water and protected with sterile dressings is the safest, most effective course.