Applying salt to a burn is not recommended and can be harmful, worsening the injury and delaying healing. Understanding why salt is detrimental and appropriate first aid is important for effective burn care.
Why Salt Harms Burns
Applying salt directly to a burn can exacerbate the injury. Salt is highly hygroscopic, drawing moisture out of tissues through osmosis. This dehydrates damaged skin cells, worsening the burn and delaying healing.
Salt causes considerable pain and irritation on damaged skin. Exposed nerve endings are highly sensitive, triggering a strong pain response. Its granular texture can also physically irritate the wound, potentially causing additional damage.
Using common salt on burns increases the potential for infection. Household salt is not sterile and can introduce bacteria to an open wound. Certain bacteria are also salt-tolerant, meaning their growth might not be inhibited and could even be strengthened.
Immediate Care for Burns
Proper immediate care for minor burns focuses on cooling and protecting the affected area. The first step involves holding the burn under cool, running water for 10 to 20 minutes as soon as possible after the injury. This action helps dissipate heat, reduce pain, minimize swelling, and can limit the progression of the burn depth, potentially decreasing the risk of scarring. It is important to avoid using cold or ice water, as this can cause further tissue damage or even frostbite.
After cooling, gently remove any rings, jewelry, or clothing not stuck to the burned area, as swelling can occur rapidly. The burn should then be loosely covered with a sterile, non-adhesive dressing, such as clean cling film or a plastic bag. This protective covering helps to prevent infection and reduces pain by shielding the exposed nerve endings from air. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can also be taken to manage discomfort.
Knowing when to seek professional medical attention is important. Medical care is necessary for burns that are:
- Larger than the size of the injured person’s hand.
- Deep with white or charred skin.
- Located on the face, neck, hands, feet, genitals, or major joints.
- Chemical or electrical.
- Showing signs of infection (fever, pus, increased redness, or swelling).
- In infants, young children, and older adults, even seemingly minor.
Common Misconceptions About Burns
Several common home remedies for burns, beyond salt, are ineffective and can cause further harm. Applying butter, oil, or other greasy substances to a burn is not advisable. These substances can trap heat within the skin, which prevents the burn from cooling and can worsen the injury. Additionally, food products like butter may contain bacteria that can introduce infection to the open wound.
A prevalent misconception involves using ice or ice-cold water on burns. While it might seem intuitive to apply extreme cold to a hot injury, ice can constrict blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the affected area and potentially causing further tissue damage or even frostbite. This can impede the body’s natural healing processes and increase the risk of infection.
Toothpaste is also frequently suggested as a home remedy for burns, but it should not be used. Toothpaste contains ingredients such as abrasives, detergents, and flavorings that can irritate the wound, cause significant pain, and potentially increase the risk of infection and scarring. It can also trap heat and does not possess any healing properties for burn injuries.