No, you should not use toothpaste on burns.
Applying toothpaste to a burn is a common misconception that can actually worsen the injury. According to the provided reference, toothpaste can:
- Intensify pain: The ingredients in toothpaste are not designed for wound care and can irritate the burned skin, increasing pain and discomfort.
- Increase risk of infection: Toothpaste is not sterile and can introduce bacteria to the burn, leading to infection.
- Increase scarring: The potential for infection and irritation can hinder proper healing and increase the risk of more prominent scarring.
Instead of toothpaste, a burn should be treated by:
- Cooling the Burn: Run cool (not cold) water over the burned area for 10-20 minutes.
- Cleaning the Burn: Clean the burned area gently with mild soap and water once cooled.
- Covering the Burn: Apply a light dressing with a non-stick sterile bandage, if needed.
| Myth | Reality |
|---|---|
| Toothpaste helps burns heal. | Toothpaste can make the burn worse. |
| Toothpaste reduces pain from burns. | Toothpaste can intensify pain from a burn. |
| Toothpaste prevents infection. | Toothpaste can increase the risk of infection. |
It's important to seek medical attention for severe burns, especially if the burn is large, deep, or on sensitive areas like the face, hands, or feet. Always follow the advice of healthcare professionals for burn care.
