Which action should be avoided in home burn management?

• A. Soak in cool water
• B. Remove clothing around burn
• C. Do not apply meds or anything on the wound
• D. Cover with a clean dry cloth

Answer: (C)

In home burn management, the priority is to cool the burn, protect the wound, and avoid adding substances that could worsen the injury. Cooling with cool running water helps limit tissue damage and pain, without using ice. Removing clothing around the burn is appropriate if it’s not stuck to the skin, to prevent constriction and allow cooling. Covering the area with a clean, dry cloth protects it from contamination. The action to avoid is applying medications or anything else directly on the wound at home, since that can trap heat, promote infection, or complicate later evaluation. Seek medical care for larger burns or those involving the face, hands, feet, joints, or genitals, or if there are signs of infection or worsening pain.