Old Wives’ Tales

Old wives’ tales are traditional beliefs that have been passed down over generations, often without any scientific evidence to support them. When it comes to burn treatment, there are several old wives’ tales that people may still believe in. However, it’s important to note that these remedies have not been scientifically proven to be effective and could even be harmful in some cases.

Here are a few examples of old wives’ tales regarding burn treatment:

Butter

One old wives’ tale suggests that butter should be applied to a burn to help soothe the pain and promote healing. However, this is not recommended because it can trap heat and bacteria in the burn, potentially leading to infection and burn wound progression. Meaning that a burn wound that would be classified as a First Degree burn (Superficial Partial Thickness Burn) can easily turn into a Second Degree burn (Deep Partial Thickness Burn)

Toothpaste

Another old wives’ tale suggests that toothpaste can be applied to a burn to reduce pain and promote healing. However, toothpaste can actually cause further damage to the skin, and the chemicals in toothpaste are likely to irritate the burn or encourage the onset of infection. Toothpaste contains abrasives and detergents that do a great job of cleaning your teeth. But for treating a burn, not so much.

Ice

Applying ice directly to a burn is another old wives’ tale that is not recommended because the application of ice numbs the burn, which can lead to frostnip, a dangerous precursor to frostbite, and damage the skin tissue making the burn worse. Ice or very cold water on a burn decreases blood flow to the burnt area, which can reverse the healing process.

Egg whites

Some people believe that applying egg whites to a burn can help promote healing. However, there is no scientific evidence to support this claim, and applying egg whites to a burn can increase the risk of infection. Raw eggs may contain salmonella, which is a type of bacteria that can cause severe infections. Salmonella or other bacteria that are applied to an open wound such as a burn could lead to a local infection and potentially more severe systemic infections leading to sepsis or even death.

Oil

Another old wives’ tale suggests that applying oil to a burn can help reduce pain and promote healing. However, this is not recommended because oil can trap heat and bacteria in the burn, potentially leading to infection.

It’s important to note that if you suffer a burn, follow the following recommended first-aid treatment for burns and seek medical attention

1. If safe, remove the person from the area/ source of heat, before administering first aid.
2. Remove any items not firmly stuck to the burnt area, e.g. clothing and jewellery. (Do not be forceful during this process)
3. Apply Burnshield

How to apply Burnshield Hydrogel
How to apply a Burnshield Dressing

Electrical Burns

1. Switch off the power source
2. Look for ENTRY and EXIT points
3. Treat all areas in between the 2 points
4. Thereafter treat as a normal heat burn
5. Apply Burnshield to the affected area

Chemical Burns

1. Flush the contaminated/ chemical burn for 20 minutes with saline or cool running water
2. For facial burns, flush for an additional 5 – 7 minutes
3. Apply Burnshield to the affected area