Alert call against using toothpaste to treat burn injuries

TDT | Manama                                                                          

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Staff Reporter

An alert call has gone out against the common wisdom of using toothpaste to treat burn injuries. The alert call was issued by the GCC Health Council.

“It is not medically acceptable to apply toothpaste on first-degree burns that one get exposed to at home or outside, thinking it will reduce pain and alleviate the effects.

“The toothpaste contains chemicals that can burn inflammation, even if it gives a relief at first,” a statement issued by the council said. The council also stressed the avoidance of applying olive oil and butter on burns, as these substances cause heat retention inside the burns. The council advised to seek medical help in cases of burn injuries apart from applying burn ointments in the area. A study published by the International Society for Burn Injuries says that applying toothpaste to a burn is a “potentially harmful” treatment that can “worsen the burn”.

“Toothpaste can intensify the burn’s pain and increase the risk of infection and scarring. Ingredients in toothpaste aren’t exactly soothing. Toothpaste contains abrasives and detergents that do a great job of cleaning your teeth. But for treating a burn, not so much.”