Summer brings many joys longer days, outdoor fun, and plenty of sunshine.

But it also comes with an increased risk of burns, especially when people gather around campfires, enjoy fireworks, and fire up the grill.

In fact, over one-third (37.5%) of burn-related hospital admissions occur between May and August. While practicing burn safety can help reduce the risk, it’s equally important to know how to properly treat a burn if one does occur. Let’s take a look at common causes of summer burns and the best treatment methods to minimize further injury and promote healing.

Common Sources of Summertime Burns

While sunburns are the most common burn we experience in the summer, there are several other sources of burns that can happen during outdoor activities. Being aware of these risks can help you prevent injuries and take the right steps if a burn occurs. Along with sun exposure, some other common causes of summertime burns include:

1. Bonfires, campfires, and fire pits.

2. Chemical burns from pool chemicals.

3. Fireworks and sparklers.

4. Hot car handles, metal seat-belts, and steering wheels.

5. Grill and grease burns.

Burns can affect anyone, but children, older adults, and those under the influence of alcohol are particularly vulnerable. Alcohol impairs coordination and slows reaction time, making it more likely for someone to suffer a burn injury.

Five Things You Should Never Do When Treating a Burn

Despite the frequent exposure to heat and fire, many people don’t know how to properly treat a burn. There are also several misconceptions about home remedies that can worsen the injury. Severe burns should always be treated by a medical professional at a hospital.

For minor burns, here are five things you should never do:

1. Butter

One common folk remedy is applying butter or oil to a burn. While the idea is that it might cool or soothe the burn, there’s no scientific evidence supporting this. In fact, butter and other greasy substances like petroleum jelly or mayonnaise trap heat in the wound, slowing the healing process. They can also introduce bacteria, increasing the risk of infection.

2. Honey

While honey has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, it's not recommended to use regular honey from your kitchen. Only medical-grade honey (MGH) which has been sterilized, should be used for burns. MGH can help treat minor burns, but it should be used with caution if you have a pollen allergy.

3. Mustard

There is no scientific evidence supporting the use of mustard as a burn remedy. In fact, the vinegar and other ingredients in mustard can irritate the skin, worsen the burn, and possibly lead to infection. The warm sensation you feel after applying mustard is not a sign of healing, but rather a reaction that could make things worse.

4. Toothpaste

Toothpaste is another widely spread but harmful myth for burn treatment. Applying toothpaste can actually increase pain and irritation, worsening the injury. The ingredients in toothpaste do not aid healing, and they may even lead to infection or scarring.

5. Ice

It may seem intuitive to cool a burn with ice, but this is actually a mistake. Ice can restrict blood flow to the area, slowing the healing process and potentially causing further tissue damage. Additionally, ice numbs the pain, which may prevent you from realizing that the skin is getting too cold, leading to frost-nip or even frostbite. Ice-cold water can also increase the risk of infection.

What is the Best Way to Treat a Burn?

The appropriate treatment for a burn depends on its severity. First and foremost, remove yourself or the injured person from the heat source. If possible, remove any burned clothing, but avoid removing clothing that is stuck to the burn, as it could cause further damage. Also, take off any jewelry near the affected area.

Important tips:

1. Do not apply creams, ointments, or home remedies on the burn, as they can trap heat and increase the risk of infection.

2. Do not pop any blisters that form, as this can expose the wound to bacteria.

3. Avoid using adhesive bandages, as they can stick to the burn and cause additional damage. Instead, loosely cover the burn with a clean, dry, non-stick bandage or dressing.

Ice on burns: false myth or truth?

Video by Med4Care EN