Should white vinegar or aged vinegar be used for burns?

Generally speaking, after a burn injury, neither white vinegar nor aged vinegar should be used. These acidic substances can irritate the wound and worsen tissue damage; proper wound management is essential. Detailed explanations are as follows:

Both white vinegar and aged vinegar primarily contain acetic acid, which is strongly acidic. After a burn, the skin barrier is already compromised. Applying vinegar directly irritates damaged tissues, causing severe pain. It may also disrupt the wound's normal pH environment, interfere with the healing process, and even increase the risk of infection. These vinegars are intended only for cooking. From the standpoint of composition and function, they offer no benefits in relieving burns or promoting healing—on the contrary, they may complicate the injury.

Proper initial treatment for burns involves rinsing the affected area under cool running water for 15–20 minutes to rapidly reduce temperature and minimize thermal damage. For mild burns presenting only with redness, applying a specialized burn ointment after rinsing is appropriate. If blisters form, protect the blistered skin and avoid puncturing it manually.

In daily life, preventive measures should be taken in advance, such as wearing heat-resistant gloves when handling high-temperature cookware. It's advisable to keep medical burn ointment at home and avoid relying on folk remedies. Following the principles of cooling, protecting the wound, and preventing infection after a burn is key to supporting proper healing and reducing adverse outcomes.