No, you should not put salt on burns. While it might temporarily reduce pain by limiting air exposure to the burn, the salt will actually desiccate the burned tissues, potentially causing further damage and hindering the healing process.
Why You Should Avoid Putting Salt on Burns
Applying salt to a burn is not a recommended first aid practice for several reasons:
- Desiccation: Salt is a desiccant, meaning it draws moisture out of tissues. When applied to a burn, it can dry out the already damaged cells, making the injury worse.
- Increased Pain: Although initially there might be a temporary reduction in pain, the desiccation can cause increased pain and discomfort over time.
- Hindered Healing: The drying effect of salt can hinder the natural healing process by damaging cells and increasing the risk of infection.
- Comparison to Other Remedies: The reference also mentions that using butter on a burn is also ill-advised. Similar to salt, it traps heat and can worsen the burn.
What to Do Instead
Instead of applying salt or butter, here's what you should do for a burn:
- Cool the Burn: Immediately run cool (not cold) water over the burn for 10-20 minutes. This helps to reduce heat and pain.
- Clean the Burn: Gently clean the burn with mild soap and water.
- Cover the Burn: After cleaning, cover the burn with a sterile, non-adhesive bandage.
- Seek Medical Attention: For serious burns, or if you are unsure of the severity, consult a medical professional immediately.
| First Aid Item | Should You Use on a Burn? | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Salt | No | Desiccates tissue, can increase pain and hinder healing. |
| Butter | No | Traps heat, can worsen the burn. |
| Cool Water | Yes | Reduces heat and pain. |
| Sterile Bandage | Yes | Protects the burn from infection and further injury. |
| Medical Professional | When necessary | For serious burns or if you are unsure of the severity. |
Conclusion
It's crucial to understand that while applying salt might seem like a solution to some due to temporary pain relief, it can do more harm than good. Opt for the proven methods of cooling and covering burns to facilitate proper healing and always consult a medical professional when in doubt.
