This is why you shouldn’t use toothpaste on burns

These images show the horrific aftermath of a woman’s attempt to soothe her burnt hand with toothpaste.

The pictures have now been shared as a warning to others to avoid using their own home remedies to help burn wounds as they could backfire.

Medic Dr Kamarul Ariffin, of Malaysia, said the woman had attempted the remedy after burning her hand with scorching hot oil.

But instead of soothing her pain, her hand ballooned up until it was misshaped and almost unrecognisable covered in blisters.

As well as toothpaste, the doctor has come across people using oil, flour, soy sauce, eggs and butter as so-called treatments for burns.

Dr Ariffin instead urged people to follow medical advice in the event of suffering a burn, as other home remedies could cause infection and irritation.

Dr Arrifin said sufferers should never pop blisters or attempt to treat their injuries with very cold water or ice.

His advice includes removing any burnt clothing, jewellery or watches from the affected area, if possible, and then rinsing it with clean room temperature water for 15 to 20 minutes.

People with more serious burns, or burns that were larger than the palm of their hand or on sensitive area, should seek medical attention, he added.

Toothpaste giants Colgate have posted advice on their website to people who are tempted to use toothpaste to treat burns.

It warns: ‘Toothpaste contains abrasives and detergents, which work well for cleaning your teeth, but not so well when in easing the pain of a burn.’

Dr Arrifin’s post sparked a debate on social media where a number of social media users asked him whether aloe vera could be used to treat burns.

He replied: ‘Stop the burning first. Run water first. If it’s a first degree burn, can apply aloe vera.

‘If it’s second or third degree, see a doctor first before applying anything.’

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