Why should you avoid putting water on a burn covering more than 20% of the body?

When treating burns, particularly those covering a large percentage of the body, it is crucial to consider the overall impact on the patient's condition. Applying water to a burn that encompasses more than 20% of the body can lead to hypothermia and shock because of the significant heat loss that can occur. Large burns disrupt the body's ability to regulate temperature, and applying water can exacerbate this issue, particularly if the individual is already in a vulnerable state due to shock or injury.

Hypothermia can set in if the body's temperature drops significantly, as this can lead to further complications and potentially be life-threatening. Therefore, while cooling the burn is important, managing the patient’s overall thermal regulation is critical, especially with extensive burns. Proper care for widespread burns often involves covering the affected areas to prevent additional heat loss while awaiting emergency medical assistance.