Evidence supporting the use of: Water
For the health condition: Burns and Scalds

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 5

The use of water as an immediate first aid treatment for burns and scalds is strongly supported by scientific evidence and is universally recommended in modern medicine. Cooling a burn with cool (not ice-cold) running water as soon as possible for at least 20 minutes significantly reduces tissue damage, pain, and the risk of further injury. The primary mechanism is the rapid reduction of skin temperature, which helps to halt the burning process, minimize the depth of injury, and decrease inflammation. Multiple randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews have demonstrated that water cooling leads to better outcomes compared to leaving the burn untreated or using other substances. Additionally, authoritative health organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the American Burn Association, and the British Burn Association all advise the use of cool running water as the first-line treatment for minor burns and scalds.

Historically, various remedies have been applied to burns, but modern research has clarified the importance of water as the most effective and accessible immediate intervention. Water is widely available, non-toxic, and easy to use, making it the gold standard for first aid in burns. Importantly, using ice or very cold water is not recommended, as it can further damage the skin and underlying tissues. In summary, the use of water for treating burns and scalds is based on strong scientific validation, with a high level of evidence supporting both its safety and efficacy.

More about water
More about Burns and Scalds

Other ingredients used for Burns and Scalds

aloe vera
amino acids
green chiretta
annatto
bamboo
basil
beeswax
myrobalan
beta caryophyllene
betel
bisabolol
black cumin
black walnut
blackberry
Indian frankincense
bromelain
bасора
carrot
chamomile
clove
coating
coconut milk
cucumber
turmeric
curcumin
echinacea purpurea
garlic bulb
glycerin
gooseberry
gotu kola
onion
hemp oil
hyaluronic acid
Indian gum arabic tree
Indian tinospora
iodine
honeysuckle
Japanese sophora
jujube
l-glutamine
marshmallow
moringa
mustard seed
ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate
papain
parsley
phenolic acids
plantain
protease
purified silver
quail egg
rhizome
rosemary
sage
schizonepeta
scrophularia root
selenium
silicon
slippery elm bark
sphaeranthus indicus
thyme
vitamin A
vitamin C
water
zinc
bentonite
yellow root
squawvine
parthenium
chickweed
typhonium
papaya
shen-chu
mugwort
Indian bael
neem tree
nut grass
alpinia galangal
clerodendrum indicum
hedychium spicatum
pistacia integerrima gall
commiphora
paederia foetida
tinospora cordifolia
blackboard tree
caesalpinia crista
chaff flower
peony
lingusticum wallichii
boxthorne
goldenrod
yarrow
buckthorn
moss
myrrh
solomon's seal
siler root
dioscorea
dodder
fern
sweet flag
hyacinth bean
sweetgums
morinda
oriental arborvitae
zanthoxylum
birch
couch grass
sheep's sorrel
queen of the meadow
assam indigo
fulvic acid
eucalyptus
camphor oil
menthol oil
aster root
wood betony
paw paw
white oak
herbal blend (proprietary)
melaleuca alternifolia
indigo leaves
cayenne pepper
geranium
arnica
sea salt
Avens
akebia
Animal Tissue
Asiaticoside
Ardisia
acacia
Agave
Agrimony
Antirrhinum majus
Achyranthes
Anamu
Alchornea
Albizia
Alchemilla
Aconite
Ajuga
Aucubin
Anserina
Albumin
Aerva lanata
American Liverleaf
Asam gelugor
Allantoin
Alkanet
Alsonia scholaris
Agrimonia pilosa
Asteracea
Acemannan
Argan nut oil
Abuta
Alkanna
Allium tuberosum
Alstonia macrophylla
Amor seco
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Bee Propolis
Betony
Bermuda Grass
Babchi
Bai Ji
Baliospermum
Baphicacanthus cusia
Bidens pilosa
Black spruce
Blackthorn
Broussonetia
Blubber oil
Blepharis
Balsam
Bishop's Weed
Bayleaf
Blackbrush
Butea monosperma
Barleria
Big Quaking Grass
Bitter Grass
Bougainvillea
Brazillian peppertree
Bael
Benzoin
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Baccharoides anthelmintica
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Black Nightshade
Bombax
Borassus Palm
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Babassu
Black root
banana
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Boerhavia diffusa
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Centella triterpenes
Candleberry
Chinese Silkvine
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Caryophyllene
Calendula
Casearia esculenta
Common Monkey Flower
Chinese Mountain Ant
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Clerodendrum trichotomum
Cucurbita
Colloidal Silver
Chlorophyllin
coconut oil
Cactus
Cape Aloe
Capillary Artemisia
Cinquefoil
Cyathula
Cattail
Curcuminoid
Cajuput
Chinese Raisintree
Chlorophytum
Common Thatching grass
Cowherb
Curcumen
Centella asiatica
Celandine
Ceylon Leadwort
Cedar
Campylandra fimbriata
Centipeda
Curcuma
Carrapichinho
Cedrus libani
Cosmos
Cynodon dactylon
Chiococca alba
Catkin
Costus
Cocklebur
Castor Oil
Carthamus
Copaiba Oil
Cynanchum
Celosia
Clerodendrum indicum
Calyptridium umbellatum
Casearia sylvestris
Chrysophanics
Chondrus
Dianthus
Didymocarpus
DIVI-DIVI
Dragon's Blood
Devil's Club
Dianthrone
Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)
Davilla rugosa
Dichrostachys glomerata
Epidermal Growth Factor
European Elder
Erigeron
Elephant Vine
Erodium cicutarium
English Horsemint
Eclipta
English Elm
Echinacea
Emu Oil
Elaeagnus glabra
Essential Oil Blend
Elephant's Head
Euphorbia
Elemi
Embelia
Goldthread
Garlic
Lotus
Lily
Little ironweed
Mallow
Oak
Orchid
Potato
Poppy
Polyvinyl alcohol
Spikenard
Snakeroot (unspecified)
Silk protein
Sandalwood
Sumac
Vervain
Zucchini