Almost everyone has heard a home remedy for burns. Many are passed down in families with the best intentions. Unfortunately, some of the most popular ones can trap heat, damage tissue further or raise the risk of infection. This article looks at common myths and explains what mainstream first-aid guidance recommends instead.
The First Aid That Actually Helps
Before the myths, the basics. For most heat burns:
- Stop the burning process and move away from the source of heat.
- Remove clothing and jewelry near the burn, unless stuck to the skin.
- Cool the burn under cool running water for about 20 minutes.
- Keep the person warm.
- Cover the burn loosely with cling film or a clean, non-fluffy dressing.
- Seek medical help when needed.
Cooling with running water is still helpful if it is started a little late. Our guide to burn wound care at home covers the days that follow.
Myth: Put Butter or Oil on a Burn
Butter, cooking oil, lard and similar greasy substances hold heat against the skin rather than drawing it away. They are not sterile and can increase the risk of infection. They also have to be cleaned off later, which can be painful and can damage healing tissue. Cool running water is the better choice.
Myth: Ice Is Better Than Water
It seems logical that colder is better, but ice and iced water can damage already injured skin by restricting blood flow, and can add a cold injury on top of the burn. Large burns cooled with ice can also cause a dangerous drop in body temperature, especially in children and older adults. Use cool or lukewarm running water, not ice.
Myth: Toothpaste Soothes a Burn
Toothpaste may feel cool briefly, but it contains ingredients that can irritate damaged skin. It traps heat, is not sterile and must be scrubbed off later. It has no role in burn first aid.
Myth: Egg White, Flour or Mustard Will Draw Out the Heat
Kitchen ingredients are sometimes recommended as burn cures. Raw egg carries a risk of bacterial contamination. Flour forms a paste that is hard to remove and can hide the wound from anyone assessing it. Spices and condiments can irritate the skin. While medical-grade products made from some natural substances are used in clinical wound care, that is very different from applying household food to an open burn.
Myth: Pop Blisters to Help Them Heal
Blisters protect the raw skin underneath. Breaking them opens the wound to bacteria and usually increases pain. Leave blisters intact. If a blister bursts on its own, clean the area gently with mild soap and water and cover it with a clean, non-stick dressing.
Myth: If It Does Not Hurt, It Is Not Serious
Deep burns can damage the nerve endings in the skin, so they may hurt less than shallower burns. A burn that looks white, leathery, brown or charred, or has little feeling, may be a deep burn and needs urgent medical care. See our explanation of burn severity for the differences between burn depths.
Myth: Cover It Tightly with Cotton Wool or a Sticky Plaster
Fluffy materials shed fibers that stick to the wound. Adhesive plasters can tear fragile skin when removed. Tight wrapping can become constrictive as the area swells. Cling film laid loosely over the burn, or a clean non-stick dressing, is preferable.
When to Seek Medical Care
Call your local emergency number for large or deep burns; burns to the face, hands, feet, genitals or joints that are more than minor; electrical or chemical burns; burns with smoke inhalation, hoarseness or difficulty breathing; and burns in babies, young children or frail older adults. If you are unsure, seek advice from a doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
Key Takeaways
- Cool running water for about 20 minutes is the most useful first step.
- Avoid butter, oil, ice, toothpaste and kitchen ingredients on burns.
- Leave blisters intact and cover the burn loosely with cling film or a clean dressing.
- A painless burn can still be a deep burn that needs urgent care.
Educational information only, not medical advice. Always follow the advice of a qualified healthcare professional; in an emergency call your local emergency number.