A burn is a skin injury that happens due to exposure to sunlight, heat, steam, chemicals, electricity, or radiation. Though common, it can be a very unpleasant experience. As burns can vary in degree and severity, their symptoms are also different.
Most mild burns can be treated at home with a first aid burn cream, while severe burns require medical attention. In this blog post, we will discuss what burns are, why you should use an ointment for burn skin, and what options are available for deciding the best ointment for burns.
Degrees of Burns and Their Symptoms
Burns are classified into different degrees depending on the severity of the burn. They are:
First-degree burns
These are mild burns that affect only the outer layer of the skin (epidermis). The area appears red and painful. No blisters are formed in a first-degree burn.
Second-degree burns
The key symptom of a second-degree burn is blisters. In addition, you can also notice swelling and redness in the affected area. These burns are also very painful as they affect the epidermis as well as the middle layers of the skin to some extent.
Third-degree burns
These severe burns extend to the dermis and affect the fat layers beneath the skin. Even bones and muscles can be affected by third-degree burns. The skin turns white or black and may look leathery or charred. Immediate medical attention is required for third-degree burns.
Most first- and second-degree burns can be treated at home with a burn treatment ointment or cream. To know why you must treat the burn with a medicated cream or ointment and not leave it as it is, keep reading below.
Why You Should Use a Medicated Ointment or Cream for Burn Treatment
Using a medicated burn cream or ointment is a very effective way of treating minor burns. Medicated creams available online or in local pharmacies support the healing process and provide relief. When someone gets a burn, they can experience the following symptoms as the skin heals:
- Pain
- Itchiness
- Dryness and peeling skin
There is also a chance of infection if the burn is not taken care of properly. The best burn creams are made up of ingredients that help tackle the side effects of burnt skin. They hydrate and moisturise the affected area, prevent itching, promote skin renewal, and prevent the growth of microorganisms that can lead to an infection.
Common Creams and Ointments Used for Burns
Here are the different types of creams and ointments used to treat burns:
Burn relief creams
These creams and ointments (for example - Burnol Cream 10gm) should be a part of the basic first aid kit we keep at home. Burn creams typically contain an antiseptic and a pain-relieving medication to soothe the burns, protect them from infection, and ease the pain and burning sensation.
Aloe-based creams or ointments
Some burn-relief creams and ointments contain aloe. Aloe present in these creams has a soothing effect on the burns and aids the healing process. These creams are gentle and can be used for people of all age groups.
Anti-itch creams for burns
Itching is often a part of the healing process. Sometimes, people experience itching when the burn is in the later stages of healing. During this time, anti-itch creams for burns can come in handy to relieve the itchy feeling. If you don’t understand which cream will benefit you, call your healthcare provider for advice.
Choosing the Best Ointment for Burns
Choosing the best ointment or the best cream for burn skin doesn’t have to be a complicated affair. You can keep a few things in mind when selecting a burn-relief solution:
Type of burn: If the burn is mild, you can go with any OTC burn relief cream or ointment such as Burnol Cream 10gm or an aloe-based ointment or gel for relief. For moderate to severe burns, see your doctor.
Ointment properties: Antiseptic ointments can prevent microbial growth at the site and speed up healing. Those with aloe vera can soothe the site and keep the skin moisturised.
However, if you want to keep things simple, Burnol Cream, available over the counter, is one of the best antiseptic creams for burns and scalds. It can also be used for treating minor cuts and wounds. Burnol Cream 10gm effectively relieves burning sensation and kick starts the healing process. It contains aminacrine and cetrimide as the main ingredients known for their antiseptic and antimicrobial properties.
Treating Minor Burns at Home
Proper first aid is essential for treating minor burns at home. Here are the steps you can follow:
1. Place the burn under cool running water from a tap. Or, use a cold compress over the area to ease the burning sensation.
2. Once the burn feels slightly better, gently remove any clothing or jewellery that might be coming into contact with the area.
3. Now apply an OTC burn cream like Burnol Cream 10gm to the affected area and lightly cover it with a sterile gauge.
4. Reapply the medication 2-3 times a day, until the burn gets better.
5. If you notice any blisters forming, leave them alone and let them heal naturally.
6. If the burn still hurts or you’re uncomfortable because of the pain, take an OTC pain reliever like paracetamol for relief.
When to See a Doctor
Below are the situations when you should see a doctor:
- The burn covers a large area (more than 3 inches in diameter).
- The burn is on your face, hand, feet, or genitalia.
- You notice fluid or pus oozing out of the burn.
- Your pain has gotten worse than before.
- The burn hasn’t improved after 2 weeks of treatment.
- You have developed a fever.
Final Thoughts
Burns can happen to anyone and can cause significant discomfort. Most minor burns are easily treatable at home using OTC medications like Burnol ointment. Treating them promptly with the best ointment for burns reduces the risk of infection and prevents scarring.
It is always a good idea to include a burn cream in your first-aid kit so you can use it when needed. In addition, keep looking for signs of infection and see your doctor if required.
Looking for affordable burn-relief medicines and healthcare products but don't know where to buy them? Check out our Dawaa Dost website, where we make quality and affordable medicines accessible to all!
Sources:
https://www.buzzrx.com/blog/the-best-ointment-for-burns-otc-vs-rx-2
https://burncenters.com/community/ointments-and-creams-recommended-for-use-on-burns/
https://www.emedicinehealth.com/what_is_the_best_ointment_for_burns/article_em.htm
Image Source: Image by freepik
