Using Egg Whites For Burns?

Hey there Guys. Today a friend shared a facebook post that was recommending the use of egg whites for burns. As the story goes…

A young man sprinkling his lawn and bushes with pesticides wanted to check the contents of the barrel to see how much pesticide remained in it. He raised the cover and lit his lighter; the vapors ignited and engulfed him He jumped from his truck, screaming.

His neighbor came out of her house with a dozen eggs and a bowl yelling: “bring me some more eggs!”

She broke them, separating the whites from the yolks.
The neighbor woman helped her to apply the whites onto the young man’s face.

When the ambulance arrived and the EMTs saw the young man, they asked who had done this. Everyone pointed to the lady in charge.

They congratulated her and said: “You have saved his face.”

I think it’s vital to make it absolutely clear: Do not use egg whites for burns.

Useing egg whites for burns is dangerous for a number of reasons:

• Uncooked eggs are a wonderful medium to grow bacteria. Applying egg whites to burnt, raw, damaged skin can introduce bacteria that will make treating and healing the burn very difficult.
• Egg allergies is quite common. Applying egg whites to broken skin can result in an immediate allergic reaction. There are now more then a hand full of documented deaths from allergic reactions after this treatment.
• Any thing other then cooling the wound and getting emergency medical care is simply delaying treatment and allowing the burn to continue.

 What Is The Best Treatment For Burns?

Immediate and appropriate first aid is vital to reduce the severity of burns. Following these steps can help reduce the chance of significant scarring and damage from a burn.

• First ensure your own safety. You can’t help anyone if you get burnt as well.
• Remove the person from the source of the burn:
  • If there is fire put the fire out.
  • If electrical switch the power off at the mains.
  • If petrol, chemical, or hot water, remove soaked clothing and wash the area with copious amounts of cool water. Never add water if electricity is still live!
• Get emergency medical care immediately.
• Keep cooling the area for at least 20 minutes with water.
• If there is a delay getting to medical care applying cling wrap can help reduce pain.

Burns are a critical injury and require rapid medical care. Don’t ever delay getting help by applying things like egg whites for burns.

Remember: Get away from the source of the burn safely. Cool the burn with lots of cold water for at least 20 minutes. Get medical help fast.

Yours in good health.

Dr George