Home remedies that can land you in the ER

Skip these DIY treatments and see a medical professional.

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It’s understandable that you’d want to try treating conditions at home. A simple home remedy can help you avoid the costs and wait times that come with seeing a healthcare provider (HCP). But DIY health care can cost you big in the long run if serious conditions go overlooked or mistreated. Not to mention, some remedies are just plain dangerous.

Here are some of the riskiest home remedies, and how they could land you in the ER.

Written byRose Hayes, MA, RN.

Medically reviewed byAnn Wendling, MD, MPH.August, 2025

Sources: University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Health. Will Putting Butter on a Burn Ease the Pain? Posted March 8 + 12

University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Health. Will Putting Butter on a Burn Ease the Pain? Posted March 8, 2019.
University of Rochester Medical Center. Common First Aid Mistakes. Accessed April 26, 2023.
American Academy of Dermatology Association. How to treat a first-degree, minor burn. Accessed April 26, 2023.
Mayo Clinic. Burns. August 13, 2022.
Sharma S, Alfonso AR, Gordon AJ, et al. Second-Degree Burns and Aloe Vera: A Meta-analysis and Systematic Review. Advances in Skin & Wound Care 35(11):p 1-9, November 2022.
Poison Control / National Capital Poison Center. Hydrogen Peroxide. Accessed April 26, 2023.
U.S. Food And Drug Administration. "FDA Warns Consumers Against Drinking High-Strength Hydrogen Peroxide For Medicinal Use." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 30 July 2006.
Michael Greger, MD, FACLM. Can you take hydrogen peroxide internally? NutritionFacts.org. June 2, 2022.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Parasites/Head Lice: Treatment Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). Page last reviewed September 17, 2020.
Poison Control / National Capital Poison Center. Ipecac – don’t use it. Accessed April 26, 2023.
Mayo Clinic. Ipecac Syrup (Oral Route). Last updated February 1, 2023.
Poison Control / National Capital Poison Center. If You Suspect A Poisoning … Act Fast! Accessed April 26, 2023.
U.S. Food & Drug Administration. Safely Soothing Teething Pain and Sensory Needs in Babies and Older Children. May 23, 2018.

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