Why does a burn still feel hot even after running it under cold water?
In: Biology
Heat is the transference of energy. Basically your skin absorbs the heat. The cool water helps the heat leave the skin. That’s why you should keep running it under cool water (not very cold) until it doesn’t feel hot anymore, because most of the energy will have left.
Depending on the severity of the burn the energy could have gone down to the lower layers of the skin. So if it happened recently and it’s still “burning” put it under water again, for up to 15 minutes.
The person who said the sensitive nerve thing is only correct after the heat has initially dissipated. But if the area is constantly hot seek medical attention (I’m a healthcare worker-not a doctor or RN) because the area may be infected.
Don’t put ice on it, you can harm the surrounding skin more.
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