![]() ![]() There are a few things you should not put on a burn, like: Impregnated non-adherent gauze (Xeroform or Vaseline gauze) Silver impregnated dressings (Acticoat, Aquacel Ag, Mepilex Ag) But the downside is these dressings are more expensive. Like burn ointments, they keep skin safe from damage and help speed up skin healing. So they save you a step in your care routine. With these dressings, you don’t have to apply an ointment before adding a dressing. Special dressingsĪdvanced dressings are pads or strips that have wound-healing products built into them. It’s also not safe for babies younger than 2 months old. If you’re prone to scarring, talk with your primary care provider about whether another burn ointment is right for you.ĭon’t use silver sulfadiazine if you’re pregnant or nursing. It’s available by prescription and helps prevent infection.īut it can slow skin healing and may increase your risk of developing scars. Silver sulfadiazine is an antibacterial cream. You can apply the ointment 2 to 3 times per day or any time you change your dressing. So they’re a popular option to apply to burns. Mupirocin is another option, but it’s only available with a prescription.Īntibiotic ointments are easy to find and relatively inexpensive. ![]() Neosporin (bacitracin / polymyxin B / neomycin) Popular over-the-counter burn ointments include: Here’s what to put on a burn to help with healing and pain relief. There are several topical burn ointments that may help. ![]() Which topical ointments or creams can you put on a burn? In general, both first- and second-degree burns heal with no scarring or minimal scarring. How long do burns take to heal?Ī superficial burn, or first-degree burn, usually heals on its own within a week, provided that you keep the skin clean and dry while it’s healing to prevent an infection.Ī second-degree burn usually heals within 2 weeks. Remember, do not put ice or very cold water on the burn. In the meantime, you can cover the burn with a clean dry cloth or sterile bandage. If you have a severe burn, get emergency medical attention immediately. Keep the area covered when you’re outdoors. You also want to protect your burned skin from ultraviolet (UV) rays. If you develop blisters, don’t pop them! Popping blisters can let bacteria into your wound and cause infection. If you see signs of infection (like worsening redness or swelling), get medical attention right away. Burns can change a lot in the first 48 hours. If you’re experiencing pain from your burn, you can take acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), or naproxen (Aleve). Change your dressing one to two times a day and anytime it gets dirty or wet. Or you can place a nonstick pad (like Telfa or Adaptic) over the ointment and wrap the area loosely with gauze. You can use a clean cloth or basic gauze over a thin layer of burn ointment. After applying ointment, wrap your burn in a dressing. This protection keeps your burn safe from injury when you change or remove a dressing.Īdd a clean dressing. Ointments also create a barrier so your dressing doesn’t stick to your skin. A thin layer of antibiotic ointment keeps your skin safe from bacteria and helps prevent infection. A burn ointment does double duty for burn care. ![]() So it’s important to keep it clean to avoid infection.Īpply ointment. Wash your burn gently with soap and cool or room temperature water. You can cool the area of the burn by placing it under running water that’s either cool or room temperature. Burned skin swells, so be sure to take off any jewelry, especially rings.Ĭool your burn. Take off anything covering your burned skin in case it’s adding to the problem. Next, for a first-degree burn, follow these steps: These are signs you have more extensive skin damage from the burn and may need medical attention.įirst things first, move away from the source of the burn. You may see blisters and notice that the burn is wet. Second-degree burn: This is a partial-thickness burn in which the burn reaches below the top layer of skin. The skin looks red and is painful to the touch, but there’s no blistering. In most cases, you can treat these at home with ointments and creams:įirst-degree burn: This is a superficial burn, like a sunburn. Minor burns include first-degree and second-degree burns. The skin looks white or charred - this is a sign of a third-degree, or a “full-thickness” burn Get immediate medical attention or call 911 for any of these situations:Ī burn involves the face, neck, genitals, hands, feet, or major joints It’s important to be able to recognize the signs of a serious burn. While you can treat minor burns at home, some more serious burns need urgent medical attention. ![]()
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