You burn your hand on a stove, hot plate or an iron. What do you do next? You apply some ice or use a cold compress? But some of those popular burn treatments can damage the tissue. Here are things you should not use on a burn, says dermatologist Sejal Shah.
Never put ice on a burn. Ice can restrict the blood flow to the skin and further damage the skin tissue. Instead, just place the burned area under cold running water.
People also apply some butter to ease the pain. Do not use butter on the burn as it can create an environment for bacterial growth and lead to an infection.
Applying toothpaste may have a cooling effect on the burnt skin, but it can aggravate the problem. Toothpaste contains chemicals like calcium that can damage not only the skin but also increase the chances of an infection.
A mild antiseptic like hydrogen peroxide is one of the most common ways to treat burns. But hydrogen peroxide is not only corrosive in nature but is also a common allergen that can lead to inflammation and pain.
You may also use lemon as a neutraliser to soothe a chemical burn. Applying lemon directly on the skin can not only aggravate the wound but also disrupt the irritated skin.
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