# first degree burns. impt.

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/first-degree-burns-impt/233232>\
**Category:** Factual Questions\
**Created:** [March 9, 2004, 3:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/first-degree-burns-impt/233232 "2004-03-09T03:37:50Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 5\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![DuhCow](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b38774/32.png) [@DuhCow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DuhCow)\
**Post date:** [March 9, 2004, 3:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/first-degree-burns-impt/233232/1 "2004-03-09T03:37:50Z")

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okay this is very imporant.

when you get a first degree burn on let’s say… your finger, isn’t it true that you are supposed to put it on your earlobe in order for the pain to go away?  
it would be very much appreciated if you could include a link stating this.  
THANK YOU! 😃

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**Author:** ![Eleusis](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/f4b2a3/32.png) [@Eleusis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eleusis)\
**Post date:** [March 9, 2004, 4:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/first-degree-burns-impt/233232/2 "2004-03-09T04:17:40Z")

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I’ve never heard that.

I’ve always read that you want to “take the heat away” by putting your burnt finger under cold running water. If I’m not around cold running water (or ice), I’ll lick my finger and blow on it to increase evaporation.

Why would touching your burnt finger to your earlobe accomplish anything?

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**Author:** ![Nametag](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/nametag/32/406_2.png) [@Nametag](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nametag)\
**Post date:** [March 9, 2004, 4:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/first-degree-burns-impt/233232/3 "2004-03-09T04:19:50Z")

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Nnnooo… why? Why on Earth? Cold water, that’s it. Well, maybe a bandage.

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**Author:** ![Exapno\_Mapcase](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/exapno_mapcase/32/1051_2.png) [@Exapno\_Mapcase](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Exapno_Mapcase)\
**Post date:** [March 9, 2004, 4:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/first-degree-burns-impt/233232/4 "2004-03-09T04:33:55Z")

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After googling, all I can guess is that you’re thinking of this:

> **[Recipes & Menus](https://www.epicurious.com/recipes-menus)**
>
> Our huge collection of finely tuned recipes from chefs and food professionals

> [@](#):
>
> If you burn yourself, immediately pinch your earlobe with “the same side thumb and forefinger” and hold for 3 minutes. This acupuncture/shiatsu method of first aid prevents pain and blistering.

Will this work? Probably only if you already a believer. And don’t have any ice around.

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**Author:** ![picunurse](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/7bcc69/32.png) [@picunurse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/picunurse)\
**Post date:** [March 9, 2004, 5:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/first-degree-burns-impt/233232/5 "2004-03-09T05:19:05Z")

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I’m sorry, but that’s just silly. :rolleyes: The temp of your earlobe is maybe 1 degree cooler than the rest of your body. Everyone who said ice or cold water wins. Sorry, no prizes for winning.