Is it recommended to apply butter to new burns?

Management of New Burns

Butter should never be applied to burns. Instead, cool thermal burns with clean running water for 5-20 minutes as soon as possible after injury. 1

Immediate First Aid for Burns

Step 1: Cooling the Burn

• Immediately cool the burn with clean running water for 5-20 minutes 1
• If running water is not available, a clean cool or cold (but not freezing) compress can be used 1
• For superficial burns with intact skin only, ice wrapped in cloth may be used if clean water is unavailable 1

Step 2: Wound Assessment

• Assess for severity requiring medical attention:
  • Burns involving blistering or broken skin
  • Burns on face, hands, feet, or genitals
  • Burns covering large surface area (trunk or extremities)
  • Signs of inhalation injury (soot around nose/mouth, difficulty breathing)
  • Any burn causing significant concern 1

Step 3: Wound Care

• After cooling, loosely cover the burn with a sterile, dry dressing 1
• Do not apply:
  • Butter or other greasy substances
  • Ice directly to the burn (can cause tissue ischemia) 1
  • Natural remedies like potato peels 1
  • Topical antibiotics (unless specifically indicated for infected wounds) 1, 2

Why Butter Should Not Be Used

Applying butter to burns is harmful for several reasons:

1. It traps heat in the tissue, potentially deepening the burn 2
2. It introduces contaminants that increase infection risk 3
3. It interferes with proper medical assessment and treatment 4
4. It can delay the beneficial effects of proper cooling with water 1

Pain Management

• Over-the-counter pain medications (acetaminophen or NSAIDs) can be given for pain relief 1
• For severe pain, seek medical attention for appropriate pain management

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Delaying cooling (should be done immediately)
• Using ice directly on burns (causes tissue damage) 1
• Applying home remedies like butter, oils, or toothpaste
• Failing to recognize burns requiring medical attention
• Popping blisters (increases infection risk)
• Not removing jewelry or tight items before swelling occurs 1

When to Seek Medical Attention

• Burns in children covering >10% of body surface area
• Burns in adults covering >20% of body surface area
• Any full-thickness burns
• Burns on face, hands, feet, or genitals
• Signs of infection (increasing pain, redness, swelling, discharge)
• Signs of inhalation injury 1, 2

Remember that proper immediate cooling with clean water is the most effective first aid for burns, significantly reducing pain, depth of injury, and need for skin grafting 1, 2.