For how long should burns be cooled?

The recommended duration for cooling burns is 20 minutes. Cooling the burn site for this length of time helps to reduce the temperature of the skin and underlying tissues, which minimizes thermal injury and can significantly reduce the depth and severity of the burn. It is important to use cool (not cold) running water during this cooling process, as excessive cold can further damage the already injured skin.

Cooling should start as soon as possible after the injury occurs, ideally within the first hour. This duration has been established based on evidence that suggests longer cooling times can provide additional therapeutic benefits by mitigating the inflammatory response and providing pain relief. While shorter cooling times—like 10 or 15 minutes—may provide some immediate relief, they may not be sufficient to fully prevent further tissue damage. Cooling for an excessive time, such as 30 minutes, may not provide additional benefits and could lead to complications such as hypothermia in larger burns or in vulnerable populations.

Hence, settling on 20 minutes strikes a balance—ensuring adequate cooling while minimizing the risk of any adverse effects.