A burn is damage to the skin and underlying tissues, typically caused by heat, chemicals, electricity, or radiation. These injuries range in severity from minor redness to deep tissue destruction. Because burns are common household injuries, people often search for quick, accessible solutions, leading to misinformation about home remedies. This article addresses a common inquiry regarding burn treatment and provides safe, evidence-based first aid guidance.
The Truth About Baking Soda and Burns
Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is a common home remedy sometimes suggested for burns, but medical professionals discourage its use. This substance is alkaline, with a relatively high pH of about 9, which can irritate skin already compromised by a burn injury. Introducing an alkaline substance when the protective barrier is damaged can potentially worsen tissue damage.
Applying baking soda as a dry powder or a thick paste can also physically interfere with the healing process. Burns require the immediate removal of heat, and a paste can trap residual heat against the skin, which is the exact opposite of the cooling action needed for effective first aid. Furthermore, a layer of paste or powder is difficult to clean thoroughly, increasing the risk of infection by introducing contaminants or creating a favorable environment for bacteria.
Using baking soda for burns caused by chemicals, such as an acid, is also inadvisable despite the theoretical neutralizing properties. When an acid and a base mix, they create a neutralization reaction that generates heat, potentially causing a secondary thermal injury on top of the initial chemical burn. The standard and safest protocol for any chemical burn is to use copious amounts of running water to dilute and flush the chemical away, rather than attempting to neutralize it.
Immediate First Aid for Minor Burns
The immediate action following a burn is to stop the burning process and cool the affected area. For minor burns (those resulting in redness or small blisters), the most effective first aid is cool, running water. Hold the injured area under clean, cool, or lukewarm running water for a sustained period of at least 10 to 20 minutes. This continuous cooling limits the depth of the burn by drawing heat away from the damaged tissue, reducing pain and minimizing swelling.
Promptly remove any jewelry or restrictive clothing from the affected area before swelling occurs. Never attempt to remove clothing that is stuck to the burn, as this could cause further tissue damage. If the burn is large, ensure the rest of the person’s body remains warm during cooling to prevent a drop in core body temperature.
Once the burn has been adequately cooled, the next step is to protect the injury from infection and trauma. The burn should be loosely covered with a sterile dressing, or a non-stick material like clean plastic wrap, ensuring the material is laid over the burn and not wrapped tightly around a limb. Do not apply ice, iced water, or greasy substances like butter or petroleum jelly, as ice can cause direct tissue damage, and greasy materials can trap heat. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can be taken to manage discomfort and pain.
Assessing Burn Severity and When to Seek Medical Help
Understanding burn severity determines whether home care is appropriate or if professional medical attention is needed. Superficial (first-degree) burns affect only the outermost layer of skin, presenting as redness, minor swelling, and pain, similar to a mild sunburn. Partial-thickness (second-degree) burns involve the first two layers of skin and are characterized by intense redness, blistering, and significant pain.
Full-thickness (third-degree) burns are the most severe, damaging all layers of the skin and potentially reaching underlying fat, muscle, or bone. These burns may appear white, brown, or charred, and might be painless because the nerve endings have been destroyed. Any burn larger than three inches in diameter or affecting sensitive areas requires immediate medical evaluation.
Seek emergency medical assistance immediately for any third-degree burn, regardless of size. Burns to the face, hands, feet, major joints, or groin are considered serious and require professional care. Electrical or chemical burns always warrant an emergency room visit, even if the surface injury appears minor. Watch for signs of infection (increased redness, swelling, or pus) or signs of shock (cool, clammy skin and shallow breathing).