Question
This morning, a child accidentally knocked over a hot water bottle while playing in the kitchen, resulting in a burn on the hand. The parent intends to take the child to the hospital clinic, but the elder at home suggests applying toothpaste. Is it suitable to use toothpaste in burn situations?
Answer
Dear parent, regarding your child’s burn condition, if the burn area is not extensive, and there are no blisters or skin breaks, only presenting redness and swelling, you may consider using a toothpaste with anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects. However, toothpaste may affect the heat dissipation of the burn area, so the correct initial treatment should be to immediately cool down with cold water. If the burn condition is severe, it is imperative to go to the hospital for professional medical treatment.