Dr Amir Khan says running cold water on a burn is 'wrong' - what to do instead

Dr Amir Khan says running cold water on a burn is 'wrong' - what to do instead The NHS GP has explained the proper course of action to avoid the same mistake 'so many people make' Dr Amir Khan is urging people to avoid making a simple mistake when treating a burn. Although many people may think running a burn under cold water is the best course of action, the NHS GP and TV doctor warns that it is "one of the worst things you can do for a burn". Speaking on a new episode of his podcast, No Appointment Necessary, alongside his co-host, Cherry Healy, the health expert explained the burn mistake "we all make". Cherry began by saying: "Right, burns. I run it under cold water for as long as I can be bothered, which is about three seconds, and then I get on with my life." However, Dr Amir Khan told her: "And that is the wrong thing to do." Cherry asked: "What should I do?" The doctor explained: "So the temptation with a burn is to run it under cold water. But actually, cold water is one of the worst things you can do for a burn." Cherry said: "I thought you needed to take the heat out." But Dr Amir Khan said: "That's what people think. And that makes sense in your head. But again, what cold water does is cause your blood vessels to constrict and it reduces the blood flow to that burn and the healing process." Revealing what the best process should be, he said: "So you are supposed to run it under water, but it's supposed to be coolish, lukish, warmish water. So not hot, not cold, cool water." He also revealed that this should ideally be done for 20 minutes. "I know, who's got time?" He added. "But you have to do it for 20 minutes because that is what soothes the burn. And you don't want it too cold. Like I say, you want that blood flow coming through. So many people make that mistake," he said. What does the NHS say about what to do if you have a burn or scald? The NHS say all burns and scalds need to be attended to right away. It recommends putting the burn or scald under cool running water for 20 minutes. Do this as soon as you can, within three hours of the injury. If you can't find running water, it says you can use cool bottled water or a damp towel. Take off any clothes or jewellery that are close to the burned area – but don't remove anything that is stuck to the burn. Once the burn or scald has cooled down, cover it with cling film if possible. Just make sure not to wrap the cling film around it. It adds: "Small burns and scalds can often be treated at home and can take around two weeks to heal. Severe burns and scalds that are large or deep may need treatment in a hospital." Treatment in the hospital may include: - medicines, such as antibiotics or painkillers - having your burn or scald cleaned and dressed - being given fluids, usually through a vein in your arm (IV) - surgery, which may be done to repair the wound or to reconstruct damaged skin