Nursing and Health Sciences Journal (NHSJ)
Vol. 6 No. 3 (2026): September 2026

Comparative effects of room-temperature water, cold water, normal saline, and aloe vera as first aid on burn wound healing in a rat model: An experimental study

Ruris Haristiani (Department of Critical and Emergency Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Jember)
Rondhianto (Department of Critical and Emergency Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Jember)
Rismawan Adi Yunanto (Department of Critical Care and Emergency , Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Jember)
Baskoro Setioputro (Department of Critical Care and Emergency , Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Jember)
Azkiatulfikroh (Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Jember)
Laily Nailul Farih (Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Jember)
Trisya Ainur Alula (Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Jember)



Article Info

Publish Date
31 Aug 2026

Abstract

Immediate first aid influences burn depth, infection risk, and healing. Common options include room-temperature water, cold water, normal saline, and Aloe vera, but direct comparative evidence remains limited. This study compared these interventions for burn wound healing in rats. A true experimental post-test-only control group design was used. Thirty male Wistar rats were randomly allocated to six groups (five per group). Standardized superficial partial-thickness burns were induced with a heated iron plate. Interventions comprised room-temperature water plus Burnazin, cold water plus Burnazin, normal saline plus Burnazin, room-temperature water plus Aloe vera, Aloe vera without irrigation, and room-temperature water plus vaseline. Wound diameter and macroscopic appearance were evaluated on days 1, 3, 7, and 14. Between-group differences were analyzed using one-way ANOVA (p < 0.05). Baseline wound diameter was 2.15 cm in all groups. Wound diameter increased on day 3, then decreased progressively on days 7 and 14. On day 14, the smallest mean diameters were observed in Aloe vera without irrigation (1.85 ± 0.29 cm), room-temperature water plus Burnazin (1.86 ± 0.31 cm), and room-temperature water plus vaseline (1.88 ± 0.26 cm). The largest diameter was observed in normal saline plus Burnazin (2.16 ± 0.42 cm). No statistically significant differences were found among groups on days 3, 7, or 14 (p = 0.056, 0.218, and 0.739). All interventions showed progressive wound healing. Aloe vera without irrigation showed a favorable but non-significant trend toward smaller wounds, requiring further verification.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

nhs

Publisher

Subject

Biochemistry, Genetics & Molecular Biology Dentistry Health Professions Medicine & Pharmacology Nursing Public Health

Description

Nursing and Health Sciences Journal (NHSJ) is peer-reviewed and open access international journal which published by KHD Production, to accommodate researchers and health practitioners publishing their scientific articles. NHSJ accepts original papers, review articles, short communications, case ...