Can cold water help relieve pain from a skin burn?

Nov 25, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Liu Wenmin

Introduction

Rinsing the skin with cold water after a burn can effectively reduce pain and injury. Cold water quickly lowers the temperature of the affected area, minimizing ongoing thermal damage to skin tissue, while also blocking the transmission of pain signals and alleviating sensations of burning, redness, and swelling. This is the primary and crucial first-aid measure following a burn. If the burn covers a large area, is deep, or causes severe, unrelenting pain, prompt medical attention is recommended.

After a skin burn, rinsing with cold water effectively reduces pain and injury. Cold water quickly lowers the temperature of the burned area, minimizing ongoing thermal damage to skin tissue. It also blocks the transmission of pain signals, alleviating the sensation of burning, redness, and swelling. This makes cold water rinsing the primary and most critical first-aid measure after a burn. If the burn covers a large area, is deep, or causes severe and unrelenting pain, prompt medical attention is recommended.

After a thermal burn, heat continues to penetrate into deeper tissue layers. Rinsing with cold water rapidly removes surface heat, preventing further damage to the dermis and subcutaneous tissues. It also helps reduce blood vessel dilation, minimizes fluid leakage from tissues, and relieves swelling and throbbing pain.

Pain results from high temperature stimulating nerve endings. Cold water reduces the sensitivity of these nerve endings and interrupts the transmission of pain signals to the central nervous system, providing rapid relief from burning pain. This creates favorable conditions for subsequent treatment, with earlier rinsing yielding better results.

Immediately after a burn, rinse the affected area with clean, running water at 15–25 °C for 15 to 30 minutes. Avoid using strong water pressure that may damage the wound. After rinsing, gently pat the area dry with a clean cloth or gauze. Keep the wound clean and dry, avoiding friction or application of any irritating substances.

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