Toothpaste on burns? Why old-school remedies could make things worse

PUBLIC understanding of burn injuries remains patchy at best, with many still turning to outdated remedies passed down through generations.

This lack of awareness, especially in the crucial first moments after a burn, can significantly impact long-term outcomes. The key lies not just in knowing what to do, but also what not to do.

Avisena Consultant Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, Dr Wan Syazli Rodzaian Wan Ahmad, is calling for a nationwide push in public education. He believes better awareness through campaigns can empower individuals to act appropriately during burn emergencies and avoid dangerous misconceptions.

“This goes back to public education and awareness. Campaigns are important, because it's not just about understanding the extent of the injury - people also need to know what not to do,” he said during a recent interview at Avisena Women’s & Children’s Specialist Hospital.

Too often, he explained, people instinctively apply substances like ketchup, oyster sauce, or toothpaste to burns, hoping to ease the pain. But these household items offer no therapeutic benefit and can trap heat or introduce contaminants into the wound.

“I always tell my patients that these do nothing to help and can actually make things worse. This is why raising public awareness is so important,” he added.

According to Dr Wan Syazli, the primary concern immediately after a burn - whether from scalding water, open flames, or electrical sources - is the residual heat trapped beneath the skin. Quick action is critical.

“The goal is to dissipate that heat as quickly as possible. Running the burned area under cool, running water for several minutes is the best way to minimise damage,” he advised.

He noted that patients who had applied this method before arriving at the hospital often showed visibly reduced tissue damage compared to those who hadn’t. It’s a small step that can make a big difference.

But not all burns are created equal.

While thermal burns caused by heat or flame can be managed initially with cool running water for about five to ten minutes, chemical burns require a different protocol altogether.

“For chemical burns, the area should be flushed continuously with running water for at least 45 minutes to an hour,” he explained.

“There’s often no need to rush to the hospital before this step is completed, because the ongoing chemical reaction is the bigger danger at that stage," he said.

Dr Wan Syazli also warned against using ice or extremely cold water on burns, despite its common use. While it may offer momentary relief, the intense cold can cause blood vessels to constrict, trapping the heat and exacerbating the damage.

Beyond treatment, prevention remains the best form of defence, particularly in households with young children.

In paediatric cases, Dr Wan Syazli observed that the majority of burns are caused by hot water, usually from kitchen accidents or instant water dispensers. Toddlers pulling down bowls of hot noodles or accidentally activating hot water dispensers are common scenarios.

“These are common scenarios, and parents need to be more vigilant about making these environments child-safe. Devices such as water dispensers should have safety locks to prevent access,” he said.

He also pointed to a concerning rise in electrical burns among children, which is often the result of chewing on charger cables. Such incidents, he noted, are entirely preventable with better supervision and safer household arrangements.

Among adults, chemical burns from household solvents like sink unblockers are becoming increasingly common. These products can trigger intense chemical reactions, generating enough heat to cause sudden explosions and serious injuries.

Understanding the source of the burn, he stressed, is crucial to choosing the correct response.

“Each type of burn behaves differently and requires a different response. Public education must reflect this complexity,” he said.

While recognising the efforts made by the Health Ministry and related agencies through leaflets, community courses, and campaigns, Dr Wan Syazli believes more robust and sustained initiatives are needed, especially in prevention and early intervention.

He reiterated that public understanding plays a pivotal role in reducing the severity of injuries and long-term complications.

“The right actions in the first five minutes can make a difference between a minor injury and a life-changing one,” he said.