Myth buster – how NOT to treat a burn
Burns specialist Joanne Atkins explains what not to do if your child gets burnt and reveals the oddest treatments she's seen
Don’t use butter
“Many people think you should put butter on a wound. Don’t use butter. You’re basically basting your child and frying them a bit more!” explains burns specialist and British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS) member, Joanne Atkins.
Don’t use egg whites
“Whatever your granny said was probably inaccurate. Don’t put whisked egg whites over a burn, this is an example of first aid not being given appropriately," says Joanne.
Don’t use corn flour
Covering a burn in corn flour creates a paste and, as Joanne says, “Is not going to help start the healing process.”
Don’t use ice
Ice is a big no-no. Joanne says, “Ice ultimately will damage the tissue more. Stick to cold running water.”
Don’t use grated carrot
“The strangest treatment I've seen was when a lady had covered her burnt child in grated carrot. We see a lot of strange burn remedies, but grated carrot certainly isn’t going to help,” says Joanne.
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