Should children with burns apply python fat?

Ask:

Many people say that if children get burned by hot soup, applying snake fat will limit the damage. Is this method correct? Can you advise me, doctor?

Nguyen Hoang ( Hanoi )

Specialist II Doctor Phung Cong Sang, Head of the Burn Unit, Orthopedics Department, National Children's Hospital answered:

Broth scalds are similar to boiling water burns, which are thermal burns that occur when exposed to hot soup. However, the risk of infection in the burned area is higher than with boiling water burns. In extremely severe cases, these burns can be life-threatening to children.

The level of danger of soup burns depends on factors such as: Temperature; duration of skin contact; area of ​​the soup burn wound and location of the burn...

Therefore, if not treated quickly and properly from the beginning when burned, the damaged skin area is at risk of deeper burns and infection.

For superficial burns, applying python fat will make the child feel more comfortable. However, if the burn is deep, applying python fat will not be effective for early treatment and may even cause infection and increase the depth of the burn.

First aid for soup burns is similar to that for other types of thermal burns. The goals of initial first aid are to relieve pain, maintain hygiene, and prevent infection.

Therefore, when a child is burned by soup, parents first need to isolate the child from the cause of the burn, and soak the burned part (hand, foot) of the child in clean, cool water (16 - 20 degrees Celsius, best within the first 30 minutes after the burn).

If the child has a burn on the face, use a soft wet towel to cover it. If the burn area is large, pay attention to keeping the child warm in the unburned areas, absolutely do not use ice to avoid frostbite; do not rub oil, apply toothpaste, chicken eggs, snake fat, fish oil, or apply leaves... on the burned skin because it can easily become infected.

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