Never Use Ice on Burns — Here’s Why

When you feel the heat of a burn, your first instinct might be to cool it down as fast as possible. But should you ever put ice on a fresh burn?

Urgent care physician Allan Capin, MD, says you should actually avoid using ice on burns whenever possible. It could increase your risk for further damage and infection, especially if you have a burn that’s caused deep tissue, muscle or bone damage.

“Even ice-cold water can damage tissues and increase your risk of infection,” warns Dr. Capin. Instead, he recommends alternative solutions and seeking immediate medical attention for more serious burns.

What could happen if you put ice on a burn?

Ice or very cold water can decrease blood flow and numb the area where it’s applied. On a strained muscle and or with minor cuts, using ice to reduce swelling or cold water to clean the area might not be a terrible idea (if used briefly).

But more serious burns like second- or third-degree burns always have the potential to cause nerve damage, which limits or worsens your ability to feel pain. And the heat of a burn tends to linger for longer after a burn has occurred.

When considered altogether, this means that if you apply ice to a burn, especially one that runs deep into your skin, you risk not being able to tell when the affected area has become too cold. And if you leave ice on a burn for too long, and you can end up with frostnip, a dangerous precursor to frostbite, and increased damage to your burn and surrounding tissues.

“Using ice on a burn can lead to permanent blood flow problems, increasing your risk for infection and reversing the healing process,” warns Dr. Capin.

Alternative first aid for burns

Never put ice on a burn, no matter how mild or serious it might be. Yes, this means even for mild burns like sunburn.

When it comes to second- and third-degree burns that do serious damage, cause blisters and break open your skin, seek medical attention immediately.

But for mild, superficial burns that don’t blister, you can turn to other burn treatments:

• Use semi-cool water for five to 20 minutes or a clean, wet towel to provide immediate relief.
• Lightly apply moisturizer like aloe vera gel to keep your heat-damaged skin hydrated.
• Protect the burn with a dry cloth, nonstick bandage, cling film or plastic wrap so it doesn’t get further irritated.
• Use over-the-counter pain medication like ibuprofen (Advil®) or acetaminophen (Tylenol®) for relief.
• Continue to keep the area clean with mild, antibacterial fragrance-free soap or antibiotic cream for infection prevention.

If your pain worsens, doesn’t go away or expands beyond the initial burn site, or you develop a fever or pus, see a healthcare provider right away.

“With burns, the faster you get help and the faster you treat the burn, the less likelihood there is of infection or worsening complications,” emphasizes Dr. Capin.

“A lot of times, people come in because the pain continues to get worse. But you don’t have to wait to ask for help. If you’ve been burned and you need relief, we can help you.”