First aid myths are prevalent all across the world. Some call them traditional healing techniques; others, grandma’s healing remedies. While some first aid remedies are genuine, there are many myths that are quite dangerous and can hurt the injured person in the long run. The claim that butter heals a burn is a myth. Do not neglect a minor burn injury or try to heal it with butter. Seek medical help for any burn injury. It is important to separate first aid myths from home treatments that actually work.

Covering a wound with a bandage may impede healing is also not true. Bandages are extremely important to heal cuts and abrasions and to prevent infections in the wound area. Using hydrogen peroxide to clean the wound is also quite common. However, it actually delays the healing rather than help it. Ice baths to bring down a fever is also old-school healing myth. Ice packs can actually raise the fever helped by shivering from the cold. Shivering causes friction, which produces heat. From an article in New York Times, "Many parents soothe their feverish children by rubbing it on the skin or adding a little to a sponge bath. But using it this way can cause serious harm. Isopropyl alcohol is quickly absorbed through the skin, and large amounts applied topically can be inhaled, which can lead to alcohol poisoning and other problems."

For more first aid myths, read our selection of articles in this clipbook.