The optimal temperature of first aid treatment for partial thickness burn injuries

• DOI: 10.1111/j.1524-475x.2008.00413.x
• Publication Date: 2008-09-04T07:43:56Z
• Authors: Leila Cuttle; Margit Kempf; Olena Kravchuk; Gael E. Phillips; Julie Mill; Xue‐Qing Wang; Roy M. Kimble
• Keywords: Wound Healing; Swine; Research & Experimental; 610; 920117 Skin and Related Disorders; Cell Biology; Dermatology; Research & Experimental Medicine; 110399 Clinical Sciences not elsewhere classified; 3. Good health; 03 medical and health sciences; C1; 0302 clinical medicine; Cryotherapy; 616; 617; Medicine; Animals; First Aid; Surgery; Burns/pathology/therapy; Burns

ABSTRACTUsing our porcine model of deep dermal partial thickness burn injury, various cooling techniques (15 °C running water, 2 °C running water, ice) of first aid were applied for 20 minutes compared with a control (ambient temperature). The subdermal temperatures were monitored during the treatment and wounds observed and photographed weekly for 6 weeks, observing reepithelialization, wound surface area and cosmetic appearance. Tissue histology and scar tensile strength were examined 6 weeks after burn. The 2 °C and ice treatments decreased the subdermal temperature the fastest and lowest, however, generally the 15 and 2 °C treated wounds had better outcomes in terms of reepithelialization, scar histology, and scar appearance. These findings provide evidence to support the current first aid guidelines of cold tap water (approximately 15 °C) for 20 minutes as being beneficial in helping to heal the burn wound. Colder water at 2 °C is also beneficial. Ice should not be used.