Fans of ITV doctor Amir Khan have disagreed with his advice on treating burns, prompting a response from the regular Lorraine and This Morning contributor. Appearing on the No Appointment podcast with host Cherry Healey, Dr Khan discussed what people should do if they burn themselves in the kitchen.
NHS guidance on burns
Dr Khan, an NHS GP, said people who hurt themselves usually do 'the worst thing' by holding the burn under a cold tap. The NHS advises treating burns or scalds 'straight away', recommending: “Hold the burn or scald under cool running water for 20 minutes. Do this as soon as possible, within 3 hours of it happening. If there’s no running water available, you can use cool bottled water or a wet towel.”
Why cold water is 'wrong'
On the podcast, when Cherry said she runs burns under cold water 'for as long as I can be bothered', Dr Khan replied: “And that is the wrong thing to do. 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.”
When Cherry said, “I thought you needed to take the heat out,” Dr Khan explained: “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.”
He added: “So, you are supposed to run it under water, but it’s supposed to be coolish, lukewarmish water. So, not hot, not cold, cool water. And you’re supposed to do it for 20 minutes. I know who’s got time, but you have to do it for 20 minutes because that is what soothes the burn.”
Fans push back
Followers on Instagram disagreed, though they praised Dr Khan's jumper, which appeared to feature small furry animals. One wrote: “Omg Firstly i love your top Amir!!!! As for the burns i am a manager in a kitchen and have always been told to run a burn under cold water for at least 10 minutes.”
Dr Khan responded: “It’s definitely cool or lukewarm water 20mins xx”. Another viewer said: “Also worked in kitchens and we always went by the 10 mins cold water rule.”
A viewer commented: “That’s what we were always told to do! No oils or creams, just cold water!” Another asked: “The cold tap only has one setting, cold. Where do you get lukewarm water from a tap? Love your jumpers.”
A fan said: “That’s not what first aid teach - maybe they should be advised. Ps LOVE the T-shirt.” A cook offered an alternative: “As a chef I’m always getting small burns on my hands and arms and have always rubbed them with a slice of tomato. (Obviously I wouldn’t if it was a big burn) no scars or marks and never had an issue with healing.”
Dr Khan said: “And you don’t want it too cold. Like I say, you want that blood flow coming through. So many people make that mistake. So many people.” More NHS burns and scalds advice is available online.
