These popular home remedies for kitchen burns could do more harm than good, experts warn

A splash of hot oil, a steaming kettle or a baking tray grabbed without an oven glove. Kitchen burns can happen in seconds, and many people still turn to the remedies they remember from childhood. Butter, toothpaste, an ice cube or even a bag of frozen peas might seem like sensible ways to deal with the pain.

But some of these familiar tricks are not recommended by first-aid experts. In fact, they could make an already painful injury worse. Health organisations have clear advice on what to do when someone gets burned, what to avoid and when a seemingly minor injury needs medical attention.

Why butter, toothpaste and ice are a bad idea

Putting butter or oil on a burn might seem like a way to soothe the skin, but the NHS specifically advises against applying greasy substances, creams or butter. The London and South East Burn Network also warns against using butter, toothpaste or ice on a burn.

Ice and frozen vegetables are not suitable alternatives either. Although they feel cold, ice can cause further damage to injured skin. Thuisarts also warns that water that is too cold can make the injured person excessively cold and cause additional pain.

This is particularly important when a large area of skin is affected, or when the injured person is a young child or older adult.

How long should you cool a kitchen burn?

Health organisations recommend cooling a burn under running tap water as soon as possible.

Thuisarts advises using gently running, lukewarm water for 10 to 20 minutes. It says water between 15 and 30°C is suitable. The Dutch fire service recommends cooling for at least 10 minutes.

In the UK, the NHS recommends 20 minutes under cool or lukewarm running water. The London and South East Burn Network gives the same advice.

The difference in timing is worth remembering, but both approaches agree on the important part: start cooling immediately. Remove nearby jewellery and clothing before swelling develops, but never pull away anything stuck to the skin. Keep the rest of the person's body warm while cooling the injured area.

What if you didn't cool the burn straight away?

If you forgot to run the burn under water immediately, it may not be too late. The NHS and London and South East Burn Network advise cooling a minor burn for 20 minutes if it is done within three hours of the injury.

This three-hour window comes from British guidance. Thuisarts recommends cooling straight away but does not give the same specific time limit.

What should you put on the burn afterwards?

Once the burn has been cooled, cover it loosely with a clean dressing or a suitable piece of cling film. The NHS advises laying the film over the burn rather than wrapping it tightly around an arm or leg. Thuisarts also recommends a clean cloth or dressing.

Do not burst blisters or apply butter, toothpaste or other household products. Paracetamol or ibuprofen may help with pain if you can normally take these medicines. Follow the instructions on the packaging.

When should you seek medical help?

Not every burn can be treated at home. Seek medical attention if a burn is large, deep or affects sensitive areas such as the face, hands, feet or genitals. Burns involving young children, older adults or people with existing health conditions may also need extra care.

Get emergency help if the person has difficulty breathing, becomes unusually drowsy or seems seriously unwell. Burns caused by electricity or chemicals should also be assessed by a medical professional.

If you're unsure how serious a burn is, don't wait for it to get worse. Contact a healthcare professional for advice.

The next time someone gets burned in the kitchen, resist the urge to reach for an old home remedy. Knowing which first-aid steps to take can make a real difference.