How should thermal and radiation burns be treated initially?

The initial treatment for thermal and radiation burns focuses on cooling the burn area to help reduce the temperature of the skin and prevent further tissue damage. Cooling with saline for 1-2 minutes is effective because it helps to draw heat away from the burn site while also providing a sterile medium that can minimize the risk of infection. This method reduces pain and may limit the severity of the burn by controlling inflammation at the tissue level.

Utilizing a saline solution prevents any additional damage that can occur from other substances or techniques that would not provide the same level of sterilization. Keeping the treatment brief, typically around 1-2 minutes, is essential to avoid hypothermia and to ensure that the affected area does not get excessively cold, which can hinder the body's natural healing process.

Other treatments might not be as suitable. Applying a cold pack for 5-10 minutes could lead to tissue damage due to prolonged cold exposure and may risk causing frostbite. Covering with a sterile dressing immediately is important after addressing the cooling aspect but does not address the immediate need to lower the burn temperature. Lastly, using ice can cause more harm than good by potentially damaging the skin and underlying tissues.