Pouring Cold Water on Fake News: A Qualitative Review of Misinformation Related to Burns First Aid.

This article focuses on the prevalence and content of online misinformation related to first aid for burn injuries. It identifies common false claims such as the use of harmful natural remedies (e.g., butter, ice, toothpaste), inappropriate antibiotic application, omission of critical first aid steps, and errors in details like cooling duration and water temperature. Studies reviewed found that a significant proportion of online resources and public knowledge contain inaccurate or potentially harmful advice, which can worsen burn outcomes. The article emphasizes the need for clinicians to recognize such misinformation, inquire about patients’ self-treatment, and lead public health efforts to provide clear, evidence-based guidance on burn first aid.