What should be avoided when treating a burn?

Applying ice to a burn is not recommended because it can cause further damage to the already compromised skin tissue. The extreme cold can lead to frostbite on the surface of the burn, significantly worsening the injury. Instead, burns should be treated with cool (not cold) running water to help reduce pain and heat without causing additional harm to the burned area.

In contrast to applying ice, rinsing with cool water is often advised as it helps lower the temperature of the burn and alleviate pain. Covering the burn with a sterile dressing helps protect the area from infection and further injury, making it a crucial part of burn treatment. Similarly, applying ointments is generally not advised for immediate care of burns as they can trap heat and bacteria inside, increasing the risk of infection. Therefore, avoiding the application of ice is crucial for effective burn treatment.