Do Not Use Toothpaste And Soy Sauce On Burnt Skin - Expert

KUCHING (Sarawak, Malaysia), April 6 (Bernama) -- The common belief that toothpaste, soy sauce and 'minyak gamat' (sea cucumber oil) are the useful remedies for burns is not true. This was revealed by the plastic and reconstructive surgeon at the Sarawak General Hospital, Dr John Ranjit Nesaraj, in a public forum in conjunction with the 'Be Burn Aware' programme here Sunday. He said applying these so-called remedies on the burnt skin would only result in it becoming worse. In fact, he said placing ice cubes on the burnt skin was also quite detrimental. Instead, Dr Nesaraj said the victim should cool down the burnt part by putting it under clean, flowing water for 20 to 30 minutes. "If this is not done, it will cause the burn to spread deeper and to larger area," he said. He said, if the burnt part had been cooled down, a lotion containing aloe vera, antibiotics or moisturiser should be applied as it would keep the skin comfortable and moist. Dr Nesaraj, who is also the programme coordinator, said the forum was held to increase public awareness on the early steps to take in the event of a burn while waiting for further treatment. He said it was also meant to educate the public on high-risk situation which could cause burns, as well as the preventive measures. Also present were State Public Health Assistant Minister Dr Jerip Susil, who also officiated the closing of the two-day programme. -- BERNAMA