Effective First Aid for Burns: Using Salt Water for Relief

Emergency Treatment Methods for Burns: Are They Correct? (Online Information)

New Methods for Burn Treatment (Forwarded from the internet; I'm not sure if it's accurate, so I hesitate to share it widely.
Thank you, Dr.
Lu.) When a burn occurs, the initial pain may not be intense because the body has 0.9% saline that continues to absorb the heat causing inflammation in the skin, which leads to increasing burning pain.
By using salt to absorb the heat, the pain can be alleviated, as salt has heat-absorbing and osmotic properties.
The practice of sprinkling salt during traditional temple fairs when passing through fire is based on this principle.
I advised an elderly woman to immediately soak her burn in ice saltwater.
Once, she accidentally fell and plunged her entire palm into a pot of hot oil.
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 were due to not spreading her fingers apart, and she happily thanked me afterward.

For treating unbroken skin burns (from hot water, hot soup, hot oil, motorcycle exhaust pipes, steam burns), the common approach is to rinse, soak, cover, and then take medication or get injections for over half a month, often resulting in significant scarring.
Using ice saltwater or salt for burn treatment is very effective.
Coincidentally, I was burned by a large gas stove, affecting my entire palm and causing severe burning pain.
I applied this method: first rinsing with water, then soaking in ice saltwater, which alleviated the pain, but it returned once I removed my hand.
I then buried my hand in a large amount of salt for an extended period, about three hours, until I could leave the salt without pain.
Ultimately, 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.

In cases of large burn areas: soak in ice saltwater for about ten minutes, then apply a thick layer of salt, covering it with a damp cloth and occasionally adding water! This prevents it from getting too cold while also reducing the risk of untreated areas causing severe damage.
For minor household burns: rinse with water, then apply a thick layer of salt, covering it with a damp tissue and occasionally adding water! As long as you can leave the salt without pain for about three hours, it should be fine, and no medication is needed, nor will there be scarring (using a large amount of salt on unbroken skin is not a concern).
For treating broken skin burns (from fire, explosions, motorcycle exhaust pipes): first rinse with water, then soak in a 3% saline solution.
If the water temperature rises, change to fresh saline, soaking until you can leave the saline without pain, then apply medication! This should take about four hours.
If there are areas that cannot be soaked in saline, use tissue or clean cloths soaked in 3% saline for continuous moist dressing, changing frequently, and continue applying saline while on the way to the hospital.
The primary goal is to use saline to draw out the injury, which will promote faster healing and significantly reduce scarring.
(The saline should not be too concentrated to prevent excessive fluid loss, and it is essential to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.)

Guai Guai, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2005/07/10

Dr. Lu Daokuan reply Plastic Surgery

Rinsing burns with water is a very effective treatment; at least everyone knows how long to rinse, although there are no specific guidelines on duration.
In fact, rinsing is a beneficial therapy (the longer, the better).
Historically, there have been recommendations to immerse the entire body in a bathtub for improved outcomes in burn treatment.
Salt does not absorb heat but can alter the physical state of liquids, such as lowering the freezing point.
The pain associated with applying salt to a wound can be quite severe.
It is advisable to consult a surgeon for burn injuries or to look up evidence-based academic reports on Google.

Reply Date: 2005/07/10

More Info

When it comes to treating burns, the first step is to understand the nature of the injury and the most effective methods for immediate care. The traditional approach to burn first aid includes the "cool, remove, soak, cover, and send" method, which emphasizes cooling the burn area to prevent further damage. However, the suggestion of using salt water for burn treatment has gained some attention, leading to questions about its efficacy and safety.

Understanding Burn Treatment
Burns are classified into three degrees: first-degree burns affect only the outer layer of skin, second-degree burns involve the outer layer and part of the underlying layer, and third-degree burns extend through the skin into underlying tissues. The severity of the burn dictates the treatment approach. For minor burns, immediate cooling with running water for at least 10-20 minutes is crucial. This helps to dissipate heat, reduce pain, and prevent further skin damage.

The Role of Salt Water
The idea that salt water can absorb heat and relieve pain is a common belief, but it is essential to approach this with caution. While saline solutions (0.9% sodium chloride) are used in medical settings for wound cleaning, the application of salt directly to a burn can be problematic. Salt can cause irritation and pain when applied to damaged skin, potentially leading to further complications, including infection.

The anecdotal evidence of individuals using salt to treat burns, as mentioned in your question, may not reflect the broader medical consensus. While some people report positive outcomes, these experiences are not universally applicable and can vary significantly based on the nature and severity of the burn.

Recommended First Aid Steps
1. Cool the Burn: Immediately cool the burn with running cool (not cold) water for at least 10-20 minutes. This is the most critical step in preventing further skin damage and alleviating pain.

2. Remove Clothing: Carefully remove any clothing or jewelry near the burn area, unless it is stuck to the skin. If necessary, cut around the clothing to avoid further injury.

3. Cover the Burn: After cooling, cover the burn with a clean, non-stick bandage or cloth. Avoid using materials that can stick to the burn or cause irritation.

4. Avoid Home Remedies: Do not apply ice, butter, ointments, or salt directly to the burn. These can exacerbate the injury and increase the risk of infection.

5. Seek Medical Attention: For burns larger than three inches, or if they involve the face, hands, feet, or genitals, seek medical attention immediately. Additionally, if the burn shows signs of infection (increased redness, swelling, or pus), consult a healthcare professional.

Conclusion
While the use of salt water for burn treatment is a topic of debate, it is essential to prioritize scientifically supported methods for burn care. The best practice remains to cool the burn with running water, cover it appropriately, and seek professional medical advice when necessary. If you or someone else experiences a burn, following these guidelines can help ensure proper healing and minimize the risk of complications. Always consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice and treatment options.

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