Burns need quick care to prevent damage. Experts suggest rinsing with water, using sterile dressings, and caution against using butter or toothpaste on burns.
ALABAMA, USA — Burns require immediate treatment to prevent further tissue damage and promote healing, medical professionals say.
When a burn occurs, the first step is to rinse the affected area with clean water for 10 to 20 minutes, according to Ronni McMillian and Anna Larkin with 1 Source Preparedness. The extended rinse time helps alleviate pain and stops additional damage to tissue.
After rinsing, medical experts recommend covering the burn with a clean, nonstick sterile dressing. The bandage should be wrapped loosely to avoid cutting off circulation while keeping the area dry and cool.
Dr. Erin White, a burn surgeon with UAB, said the presence of pain can indicate burn severity.
“I get patients who come in with a bright red wound and they say it really, really hurts. And I tell them like, that’s a good sign that means that it’s pretty superficial and your nerves are okay, and it will probably heal with a little bit of good wound care,” White said. “But when it’s insensate, when it doesn’t feel like anything, that’s usually a deeper burn. It’s going to need some help.”
For burns that develop blisters, Sue Rowe, charge nurse for Children’s of Alabama burn unit, advised keeping them intact when possible.
“If there’s a blister, you want to leave it on there unless it pops. Your skin is your friend, so you want to keep things clean and intact,” Rowe said. “But if it’s a big blister, it may pop by itself. If the area is open like that, then an antibiotic ointment and some kind of a light covering is helpful for it.”
Medical professionals warned against common home remedies that can worsen burns. Butter should never be applied to burns because the grease can trap heat and deepen the injury, experts said.
“Don’t use butter. It’s actually a grease. And it can make your burn deeper, hotter, because it holds the heat in,” Rowe said. “So grease burns are some of the worst burns we can get.”
Toothpaste is another remedy to avoid because it is abrasive and dries out skin, according to medical professionals.
The only home remedy experts recommend is unscented aloe vera, which soothes superficial burns and provides moisture.
Depending on the severity of the burn, victims may need to seek treatment from a medical professional.
