ONE of the first things a parent does when their child has their first encounter with something too hot to touch is to reach for toothpaste.
An old household remedy claims that toothpaste can soothe a minor burn and help it heal.
Although the minty paste may feel cooling for a moment, does it help with the burn?
Verdict:
FALSE
Toothpaste should not be applied to a burn.
Burns and scalds damage the skin through exposure to excessive heat, whether from a hot pan, boiling water, steam or an open flame.
The correct first-aid response is to cool the burn under cool running water for at least 20 minutes as soon as possible.
The British Red Cross says prompt cooling can reduce pain, swelling and the risk of scarring.
Toothpaste may contain menthol, which can create a brief cooling sensation, but it does not effectively cool a burn.
It can also leave residue on damaged skin.
If a burn later needs medical treatment, removing toothpaste from the affected area may cause more pain or further damage.
Oils and creams should also be avoided immediately after a burn because they can retain heat in the skin.
After cooling the burn, it should be loosely covered with cling film or a clean plastic bag to protect it from infection without sticking to the wound.
Do not use adhesive plasters directly on a burn.
Medical advice should be sought for burns affecting the face, hands, feet, genitals or large areas of the body, as well as burns that are deep, blistered, white or charred.
All burns involving babies and children should receive medical advice.
The bottom line is simple: cool the burn with running water, not toothpaste.
Sources:
1. https://www.redcross.org.uk/
2. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
