Question

The most appropriate first aid for a minor burn is to

• A. Apply grease or oil
• B. Break the blister
• C. Cool the burn with clean cold water
• D. Apply cotton dressing immediately

Hint:

Logic Tip: A burn means the skin is too hot. What do you do when something is too hot? You cool it down with cold water! Never trap the heat with greasy ointments.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
First aid for burns is designed to stop the burning process, cool the skin, and prevent infection.
Step 2: Key Formula or Approach:
Immediate thermal regulation is the priority.
Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
For a minor (first-degree or small second-degree) burn, you should immediately hold the burned area under cool (not ice-cold) running water for at least 10 to 20 minutes. This dissipates the heat from the skin and prevents the burn from reaching deeper layers.
Grease/Oil: Traps heat and makes the burn worse.
Breaking blisters: Increases the risk of infection.
Cotton dressing: Fibers can stick to the wound and cause pain during removal.

Step 4: Final Answer:
The correct first aid is to cool the burn with clean cold water.