Should snake oil be applied to burns on children?

Ask:

Many people say that if a child gets burned by hot soup, applying snake oil will help limit the damage. Is this method correct? I would appreciate your advice, doctor.

Nguyen Hoang ( Hanoi )

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Dr. Phung Cong Sang, Specialist II, Head of the Burn Unit, Orthopedics Department, National Children's Hospital, answers:

Soup burns are similar to boiling water burns, being a type of thermal burn that occurs upon contact with hot soup. However, the risk of infection in the burned area is higher than with boiling water burns. In particularly severe cases, these burns can be life-threatening for children.

The severity of a burn from hot soup depends on factors such as: temperature; the length of time the skin is in contact; the size of the burn and the location of the burn…

Therefore, if burns are not treated quickly and correctly from the outset, the damaged skin area is at risk of further burns and infection.

For superficial burns, applying snake oil can provide relief for children. However, for deep burns, applying snake oil is ineffective for early treatment and may even lead to infection and worsen the burn.

First aid for scalds is similar to that for other types of thermal burns. The goal of initial first aid is to reduce pain, maintain hygiene, and prevent infection.

Therefore, when a child is burned by hot soup, parents should first isolate the child from the source of the burn and immerse the burned area (hands, feet) in clean, cool water (16-20 degrees Celsius, ideally for the first 30 minutes after the burn).

If a child has burns on their face, apply a soft, damp cloth. If the burn area is large, be sure to keep the unburned parts warm; absolutely do not use ice to avoid frostbite; do not apply oil, toothpaste, egg whites, snake oil, fish oil, or leaves to the burned skin as this can easily lead to infection.

After providing first aid to a child with burns, the child should be immediately taken to the nearest medical facility for examination and timely treatment.

Source: https://www.baogiaothong.vn/tre-bi-bong-co-nen-boi-mo-tran-192241101104052854.htm