New research has found that running water is the best initial treatment for a child when cooling burns. The researchers also found that thissimple home remediesreduces the likelihood of a skin graft and can speed healing. Additionally, it may make a young burn victim less likely to need hospitalization or surgery.
“If a child gets burned, the first course of treatment should be cold running water for 20 minutes.” This is what the co-author of the study, Doctor Bronwyn R. Griffin, claims. “Cold running water is most effective immediately after a burn. However, there is evidence that it is beneficial for up to three hours after an injury.”
Importantly, the study shows that the likelihood of skin grafting was reduced by more than 40 percent in children who received appropriate first aid with at least 20 minutes of cooling with running water. Providing any amount of it was associated with a 35.8 percent reduction in the likelihood of hospitalization and a 42.4 percent reduction in the likelihood of treatment in an operating room.
In patients who did not require transplantation, the rate of healing was faster when cold running water was administered. This is important because it means faster healingReduced risk of scarring, say the authors. Study results confirm that burns subjects treated in this way fared better than those who did not receive first aid or an alternative to cold running water. These would be, for example, aloe vera, gels, compresses, toothpaste, butter or even egg whites.
Research results
In the study, researchers analyzed the treatment of 2,495 children at a children's hospital with an average age of two years. Patients in the study cohort were most commonly treated for scalds, liquid or vapor burns on or near the arms or legs. These types of mild to moderate burns often occur at home.
However, scientists are currently debating the optimal duration of cooling water therapy. The Australian Burn Association, the British Burn Association and the European Burns Association each recommend 20 minutes of cold, running water. The American Burn Association requires a minimum of five minutes and the British Red Cross and St. John Ambulance (UK) each require at least ten minutes. This study supports the recommendation of a full 20 minutes, say the authors.
“Whether you are a parent or a paramedic, administering cool, running water to a child who has been burned is recommended. This is the most effective way to reduce the severity of tissue damage from all thermal burns,” said Dr. Griffin regarding theStudy results.
