Misconceptions and Truths About Holiday Emergency Diseases... 'Strictly Prohibit Applying Soju or Plain Rice to Burns or Removing Thorns'

Unverified Home Remedies Worsen Condition

The Lunar New Year holiday period sees more than double the usual number of emergency room visits. With an increase in various emergency conditions such as traffic accidents, burns, and enteritis during the holiday, we explore the myths and truths about common emergency conditions during the Lunar New Year with Professor Kim Geon from the Department of Emergency Medicine at Ewha Womans University Seoul Hospital.

Professor Kim Geon, Department of Emergency Medicine, Ewha Womans University Seoul Hospital
[Photo by Ewha Medical Center]

◆ Pouring soju on burns?= Burns are the most common injury during holidays when large amounts of food are cooked. They mainly occur due to hot oil, water, or electric heating pads. In the past, a folk remedy widely known was pouring soju (Korean distilled liquor) on burns to cool and disinfect the area. However, pouring alcohol like soju can dilate capillaries in the affected area, worsening swelling and pain. Also, placing ice, potatoes, or cucumbers on burns to cool them is common but should be avoided as it can lead to infections.

Professor Kim Geon explained, "Immediately after a burn, it is best to rinse the affected area with running cold water and soak it in cold water for more than 15 minutes. Blisters may form, but popping them at home can lead to serious infections. You must visit the emergency room for disinfection and proper treatment. Cover the burn with a clean towel or gauze soaked in cold water and come to the emergency room."

◆ If a fish bone is stuck in your throat, should you swallow rice?= Fish dishes are a staple during holiday meals, and it is common for fish bones to get stuck in the throat. The most well-known emergency remedy is swallowing a spoonful of plain rice. However, this can move the bone deeper or even cause a hole in the esophagus, so it is not recommended. Folk remedies like eating lemon or vinegar to soften or dissolve the bone are also prohibited, as the acidity can irritate the injured esophagus and cause esophagitis.

Professor Kim Geon advised, "If the bone is not deeply embedded, you can try drinking warm water to help it come out naturally. But if it is deeply stuck and does not come out, you should visit the emergency room for medical assistance. Above all, avoid inducing vomiting or inserting unsterilized tweezers or fingers into the throat to remove the bone at home."

◆ Allergic reaction suddenly occurs, should I borrow medicine?= During the holidays, eating unfamiliar foods can trigger unknown allergies or accidental ingestion of known allergens. Symptoms such as sudden sneezing, itching, hives, difficulty breathing, vomiting, or diarrhea indicate an allergic reaction. Scratching the skin or applying cold compresses during an allergic reaction is not advisable. Also, taking someone else’s allergy medication without consulting a doctor or pharmacist should be strictly avoided.

Professor Kim Geon said, "Avoiding the allergenic food as much as possible is the most important step. Share allergy information with relatives in advance so they can take care during food preparation. For those with severe allergies, it is advisable to consult a doctor to get emergency antihistamines or anti-inflammatory medications and carry them at all times. If it is the first allergic reaction or symptoms are severe, promptly visit the emergency room for appropriate treatment."

Regarding emergency conditions during the holidays, Professor Kim Geon stated, "With many people gathering and increased activity during the Lunar New Year holiday, emergency room visits inevitably rise. If an emergency condition occurs, do not worsen your condition with unverified folk remedies. Quickly seek help from 119 emergency services and medical staff to respond appropriately and have a healthier holiday."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.