Burn Treatment and First Aid: Why You Should Never Put Toothpaste on a Burn

First Aid

Burn treatment starts with one thing: cool running water. Toothpaste, butter and oil make things worse.

1. What Is a Burn? First, Second and Third Degree Burns

A burn is damage to the skin from heat, hot liquid, steam, fire, electricity or chemicals. Hot liquid and steam burns are called scalds. In Pakistani homes, most burns happen in the kitchen: hot chai, boiling water, a hot tawa or splashing oil.

Doctors describe burns by how deep they go. Knowing the difference helps you decide between home care and a hospital visit.

• First degree burnAffects only the outer layer of skin. The skin is red, dry and sore, with no blisters.
• Second degree burnGoes deeper. The skin is red, swollen and very painful, and a burn blister usually forms.
• Third degree burnDestroys all skin layers. The skin can look white, brown, black or leathery, and may feel numb.

2. Burn Treatment at Home: First Aid Steps (Burn Ka Ilaj)

Burn ka ilaj ka pehla qadam hai thanda paani. Cooling the skin quickly reduces pain and helps limit how much damage the heat does. Follow these steps for a minor burn:

• Move away from the heat. Switch off the stove or remove the hot source, and make sure you are safe first.
• Cool the burn with cool running water for 10 to 20 minutes. Start as soon as you can. Cool is enough. It does not need to be freezing.
• No tap nearby? Use bottled water or a clean, cool, wet cloth or towel instead.
• Remove rings, watches and tight clothing near the burn before the area swells. Leave alone anything that is stuck to the skin.
• Cover the burn loosely with cling film or a clean, loose, non-sticky bandage. Avoid fluffy cotton and sticky dressings.
• Take a painkiller such as paracetamol if you need one, and follow the instructions on the label.

3. Burn Blister: Should You Pop It?

No. Safe burn treatment means leaving it alone. A burn blister forms to protect the damaged skin underneath from germs.

• Do not pop, prick or peel a burn blister.
• If a blister bursts by itself, wash the area gently with water and cover it loosely with a clean dressing.
• Watch for signs of infection: pus or drainage, red streaks spreading from the burn, or a fever. See a doctor if you notice any of them.

4. Toothpaste on Burn: Why You Should Never Do It

Toothpaste is a home remedy many people still reach for. Butter and oil are others. None of them belong in burn first aid.

Mayo Clinic advises against greasy or sticky home remedies such as butter, oil and toothpaste. They can trap heat in the skin and irritate the burn.

Never do this: do not apply toothpaste, butter, oil or ice to a burn. Cool it under running water instead.

If you have already put something on the burn, rinse it off gently under cool running water. Then continue with the steps above.

5. When to Call 1122 for a Burn

Most small burns can be treated at home. Some cannot.

Call SIEHS 1122 right away if:

• The burn is larger than about 3 inches (8 cm)
• The burn is deep, or looks charred, white, brown or leathery
• It is on the face, hands, feet, genitals, buttocks or a major joint
• It wraps all the way around an arm, leg or finger
• It was caused by electricity, lightning or a strong chemical
• The person breathed in smoke or is struggling to breathe

Babies and older adults can need medical care even for a burn that looks minor. If the burn is serious, do not drive yourself to hospital. Call 1122 instead. Every SIEHS ambulance ride is free.

Get medical help promptly if a second degree burn is more than 2 to 3 inches (5 to 8 cm) wide, or if it shows signs of infection. Not sure what to do? You can speak to a doctor for free on Tele-Tabeeb 1123.

Burn Treatment FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

6. How Long Does a Burn Take to Heal?

Good burn treatment continues after first aid. A small, minor burn usually heals in around 2 weeks. During this time, keep the area clean and covered if it is likely to rub against clothing.

• Once the skin has closed, a simple moisturiser (emollient) can ease dry, itchy skin as it heals.
• Check the burn each day for pus or drainage, red streaks spreading from it, or a fever, and see a doctor if they appear.

Prevention matters too. Keep hot drinks and pots out of children’s reach, and teach children early that cool water is the first answer to a burn.