I would like to ask whether this method is correct or incorrect!
New Methods for Burn Treatment: Please forward this to friends.
When a burn occurs, the initial pain may not be intense because the body has 0.9% saline that continues to absorb the heat from the inflammation, causing the sensation to become increasingly painful.
By using salt to absorb the heat, the pain can be alleviated, as salt has heat-absorbing and osmotic properties.
This principle is why salt is sprinkled during traditional fire rituals.
I advised an elderly woman that for burns, she should immediately soak in ice saltwater.
Once, she accidentally fell and plunged her entire palm into a hot oil pot.
She buried her hand in a pile of salt, and as a result, both her palm and the back of her hand healed well.
The blisters between her fingers occurred because she did not spread her fingers apart, but she happily thanked me afterward.
For treating burns without broken skin (from hot water, hot soup, hot oil, motorcycle exhaust, etc.), it is recommended to rinse with water, soak, cover, and then take medication or get injections for over half a month, which may leave significant scars.
Using ice saltwater or salt for healing burns is very effective.
Coincidentally, I was burned by a large gas stove, affecting my entire palm and causing intense pain.
I used the same method: rinsing with water and then soaking in ice saltwater, which alleviated the pain.
However, once I removed my hand, the pain returned.
I then buried my hand in a large amount of salt for an extended period, about three hours, until it no longer hurt when removed from the salt.
As a result, my skin was red and sensitive to heat for four to five days, but I did not apply any medication and did not develop scars.
For larger burn areas, soak in ice saltwater for about ten minutes, then apply a thick layer of salt, using a damp cloth and occasionally adding water.
This prevents the area from getting too cold while also reducing the risk of severe damage to areas that may not have been treated with salt.
For minor household burns, rinse with water, apply a thick layer of salt, and cover with a damp tissue, occasionally adding water.
As long as the area remains pain-free after leaving the salt for about three hours, no medication is needed, and there will be no scars (using a large amount of salt is fine for unbroken skin).
For treating burns with broken skin (from fire, explosions, motorcycle exhaust), rinse with water first, then soak in a 3% saline solution.
If the water temperature rises, change to fresh saline, soaking until it is no longer painful to leave the saline.
After about four hours, apply medication.
If there are areas that cannot be soaked in saline, use a tissue or clean cloth soaked in 3% saline to continue moistening and frequently change it, even while being transported to the hospital.
The main goal is to use saline to draw out the heat from the wound, which promotes faster healing and can reduce scarring.
(The saline should not be too concentrated to avoid excessive fluid loss, and it is essential to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.)
Zhao Yiguang, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2005/02/23
Dr. Lin Kecheng reply Surgery
The severity of skin burns is related to the temperature of the heat source and the duration of exposure.
The initial treatment of "cooling, removing, and covering" primarily aims to lower the temperature and protect the wound.
Upon arrival at the hospital, smaller blisters do not need to be ruptured.
Using salt to treat burns presents two issues: first, it is hypertonic (different from the body's internal fluids), and second, it is irritating; when salt comes into contact with broken skin, it causes significant pain.
The saying "do not sprinkle salt on a wound" reflects this principle.
If the blister is intact, it still provides a protective barrier.
Although there are folk beliefs that salt can lower temperature, it does not offer protection to burned skin, and hypertonic salt does not exert an osmotic effect on blisters.
Furthermore, using saline prior to arriving at the hospital can complicate wound management for healthcare providers.
Our principles for wound care are cleanliness, sterility, and isotonic solutions.
If the wound is contaminated, debridement and the application of antiseptic agents are necessary.
In cases of larger burns, significant fluid loss occurs through blisters and damaged skin, making fluid replacement crucial.
Currently, we still do not recommend soaking in saline; the scientifically supported approach of cooling, removing, and covering remains the most appropriate method before reaching the hospital.
Reply Date: 2005/02/23
More Info
The use of salt water for treating burns, as described in the question, is a topic that requires careful consideration and understanding of the underlying medical principles. While there are anecdotal accounts and traditional practices that suggest the effectiveness of salt in treating burns, it is essential to approach this with a critical eye and rely on established medical guidelines.
First and foremost, the immediate treatment for burns involves cooling the affected area to reduce the temperature and prevent further skin damage. The standard recommendation is to run cool (not cold) water over the burn for at least 10 to 20 minutes. This method is effective because it helps dissipate heat from the skin and reduces pain and inflammation. The idea that salt can absorb heat or "suck out" the pain is a misconception; salt does not have the properties to absorb heat in the way described.
In the case of minor burns, such as first-degree burns (which affect only the outer layer of skin), the application of a saline solution (0.9% sodium chloride) may provide some benefits, such as keeping the area moist and potentially reducing the risk of infection. However, using large amounts of salt directly on the skin, especially on open wounds or second-degree burns, can cause significant pain and irritation. The salt can draw moisture out of the cells, leading to further tissue damage and delayed healing.
For second-degree burns, which involve deeper layers of skin and may present with blisters, the recommended approach is to cool the burn, avoid breaking blisters, and cover the area with a sterile, non-stick dressing. If the burn is extensive or severe, medical attention should be sought immediately. The use of topical antibiotics or specialized dressings may be indicated to prevent infection and promote healing.
Regarding the anecdotal evidence presented in the question, while some individuals may report positive outcomes from using salt, these experiences do not replace scientific evidence. The medical community generally advises against using salt directly on burns due to the potential for pain and complications. Instead, treatments should focus on proper wound care, pain management, and infection prevention.
In summary, while salt water may have some applications in wound care, it is not a substitute for established burn treatment protocols. The best practice remains to cool the burn with water, protect the area with appropriate dressings, and seek medical advice when necessary. If you or someone else experiences a burn, it is crucial to follow these guidelines and consult a healthcare professional for the best outcomes.
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