Is baking soda used for burns?

While baking soda is a common household item and has some uses in wound care, it is not appropriate for burns.

Here's why:

* It can irritate the skin: Baking soda is alkaline, and applying it to a burn can further irritate the damaged skin, causing pain and delaying healing.

* It can disrupt the healing process: Burns require a clean, moist environment to heal properly. Baking soda can dry out the wound, making it more susceptible to infection.

* It can hinder the effectiveness of other treatments: Applying baking soda can interfere with the application of ointments or other treatments recommended for burns.

Instead of baking soda, here's what you should do for a burn:

1. Cool the burn immediately: Run cool (not cold) water over the burn for 10-15 minutes.

2. Remove any jewelry or tight clothing: This will prevent further damage as the area swells.

3. Cover the burn with a clean, sterile bandage: This will help protect the burn from infection.

4. Seek medical attention for any severe burns: This includes burns that cover a large area, burns that involve the face, hands, feet, or genitals, and burns that are deep or show signs of infection.

Always consult a healthcare professional for advice on treating burns.