Burn cream

Types of burn creams

Burn cream is a topical ointment that soothes the skin after it gets burned. It provides relief from pain and itching and heals the skin faster. There are different types of burn creams to treat various burns. Here are some of them:

• Silver sulfadiazine cream

  Silver sulfadiazine is a burn relief ointment that people apply to second- and third-degree burns. It contains silver, which has antibacterial properties. The cream prevents bacteria from growing on the burn area. This promotes faster healing and reduces the risk of infection. However, health workers do not recommend using this cream for newborns or those with a history of sulfa drug allergies.

• Aloe vera gel

  Aloe vera is a natural plant extract that heals mild burns. It has a light texture that soothes the burned skin. The gel also moisturizes the skin without making it feel greasy. It works best on first-degree burns or mild burns caused by sun exposure. Some studies show that aloe vera speeds up the healing time of second-degree burns. However, further studies are needed to support this claim.

• Antibiotic ointments

  People use burn creams with antibiotics to treat minor burns. The ointments have neomycin, bacitracin, and polymyxin B. They work on minor burns, which may also be called first-degree burns. The skin may become red, dry, and itchy. The burn may also be like sunburn. The burn cream prevents the burn from getting infected. It also promotes quick healing of the burn.

• Honey

  Honey is another natural treatment that soothes minor burns. It has antioxidants that may reduce swelling and pain. Honey also keeps the skin moist to promote faster healing. Studies show that honey may be more effective than aloe vera in treating burns. However, further studies are needed to determine which treatment is better between honey and aloe vera.

• Creams with other ingredients

  Some burn creams have ingredients like vitamins, collagen, and stem cells. The vitamins nourish the skin and promote quick healing. Creams with collagen restore the skin texture after healing. It may be helpful for people who get large blisters or scars from burns. Stem cell cream is a new product that helps regenerate the skin after a burn. It is still under research to determine how effective it is compared to other burn creams.

How to choose burn creams

• Type of Burn: The type of burn dictates what ingredients are needed for healing. First-degree burns may benefit from soothing aloe vera, while second-degree burns may need more intense antibiotic properties to prevent infection. Knowing the specific burn and its needs will help determine the best cream.
• Ingredients: Look for creams with soothing properties like aloe vera, onion extract, and vitamins C and E. Aloe vera soothes and moisturizes. Onion extract helps reduce redness and promote healing. Vitamins C and E provide antioxidant protection and further skin repair. Avoid creams with alcohol or strong fragrances that can irritate skin.
• Consistency: The burn cream's consistency should suit one's needs. A thicker ointment may be better for deeper burns needing more protection against germs. Its slower absorption provides extra barrier. However, ointments can feel greasy. Creams are lighter and soak in faster, making them good for smaller, superficial burns. The lighter texture is less noticeable on skin. Consider how one will use it when choosing thickness.
• Packaging: Look for burn creams packaged to stay clean and safe from outside air and germs. Tubes with squeeze openings allow precise application to burned area without cream touching one's hands. This reduces infection risk. Pumps dispense small amounts easily, but ensure cream goes where needed. Single-use packets are great for taking burn cream on the go, such as camping. No re-closing is needed. For home use, jars may be easiest, but open jars expose cream to bacteria and air. Be careful with application.
• Scent: A pleasant or neutral scent may be important depending on personal preference. Some burn creams smell strongly due to ingredients like onion extract. This smell usually fades quickly after applying cream to skin. Scents from aloe vera or citrus can feel relaxing. Consider whether smell will impact using cream or how it might affect others nearby.
• Brand Reputation: When choosing a burn ointment, it is important to consider the reputation of the manufacturer. Opt for products from brands known for producing quality burn care products. This is an assurance that the cream will work effectively. Moreover, reputable manufacturers use quality control standards to ensure that every product released to the market meets the required standards. Also, check online for customer reviews and feedback to see how other people rate a particular burn cream.

How to use, install, and product safety

How to use

• Clean the Area First: Always wash the affected area with soap and water. Clean hands and proper hygiene are crucial in applying any medication to the skin. Dry the area gently, avoiding harsh rubbing that could irritate the skin.
• Wash Hands: Clean hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Don't touch the burn area with unwashed hands because it can become infected.
• Apply Gently: If the burn is on the skin's surface, gently apply the burn ointment cream. Do not rub harshly, as this can irritate the burn. Gently spreading the burn cream will help avoid further aggravating the injury.
• Apply for a Thin Layer: Apply a thin layer of the burn cream. Follow instructions on the product label or those given by a healthcare practitioner. Some burn creams require covering the burn with a sterile bandage, while others do not. If a bandage is needed, carefully apply it and ensure it is not too tight, as this could impede circulation to the affected skin.
• Don’t Pick at Blisters: If blisters form, do not break or pick at them, as they protect the underlying skin and prevent infection. The burn cream will help keep the skin moisturized and reduce the risk of infection even if blisters develop.
• Wash Hands Again: Once finished, wash hands to avoid spreading any bacteria or burn cream to other areas.
• Reapply as Directed: Reapply the burn cream according to the product instructions or your doctor's recommendations. Consistent application can aid healing and discomfort.

Burn Cream Product Safety

• Infection Control: One of the main safety factors in burn ointment for healing is infection control. Many topical treatments have properties that prevent bacterial growth, significantly reducing the risk of infection in the damaged skin area.
• Moisturizing Effect: Burn creams maintain the burn site at an adequate moisture level, preventing scabs from forming. Scabs slow down healing and increase the risk of irritation or infection. By keeping the skin moist, burn ointments facilitate faster cell regeneration and tissue repair.
• Anti-inflammatory Ingredients: Most burn creams contain anti-inflammatory ingredients that help relieve pain, redness, and swelling. This action not only comforts the burn victim but also helps reduce the overall inflammatory response, which can sometimes slow healing.
• Controlled Application: Applying burn cream rather than directly applying a topical antibiotic reduces the risk of further trauma to the burn site. Controlled application minimizes discomfort and protects the burn area from external irritants.
• Protection from External Factors: Burn creams form a protective barrier over the burn site, shielding it from bacteria, dirt, and other harmful elements in the environment. This protection is vital for healing without complications.

Functions, features, and design of burn creams

Function

Ideally, a burn ointment should alleviate burn-related pain, itchiness, and discomfort while expediting the healing process. The cream's formulation—encompassing its active and inactive ingredients—plays a pivotal role in its ability to fulfill these functions effectively.

Feature

• Type of Burn

  Burns can be classified into first, second, and third degrees. First-degree burns affect the skin's surface and usually heal within a few days. They cause redness and minor pain and can be caused by sunburns, minor scalds, or brief contact with hot objects. Second-degree burns affect the skin's deeper layer and cause blisters. They are more painful and take longer to heal—usually one to three weeks—than first-degree burns. Second-degree burns can result from severe sunburns, scalds, or contact with hot liquids. Third-degree burns penetrate the skin's deepest layers and can damage underlying tissues. They may not be painful because the burn has destroyed nerve endings. Third-degree burns require medical treatment.

• Ingredients

  Burn creams and gels contain different ingredients depending on the type of burn they are designed to treat. For example, first-degree burn ointment may contain aloe vera, lidocaine, or other anesthetics to relieve pain and promote healing. Second-degree burn creams often include antibiotics to prevent infection and agents such as silver sulfadiazine that have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Third-degree burn treatments may involve specialized formulations that address more extensive skin damage and tissue repair needs.

• Application and Packaging

  Application methods and packaging also vary among burn treatments. First-degree and second-degree burns may be treated with sprays or gel formulations that provide a cooling effect without further irritating the skin. Packaging for burn treatments considers the need for cleanliness and ease of application.

Q&A

Q1: What is the difference between aloe burn gel and burn cream?

A1: Aloe burn gel is a light, water-based formula that hydrates the skin after minor burns, while burn cream offers a thicker, protective ointment to shield healing skin from infection. Burn cream may better suit sutured areas due to its protective properties.

Q2: Which is better, gel or cream, for burn treatment?

A2: It depends on the burn's severity. Creams can protect and heal more serious burns. Gels provide cool relief for minor burns. Both can be used together, with gel initially to soothe and cream later to protect. The gel's lighter texture permits breathability, aiding faster healing.

Q3: Can burn cream be used on the face?

A3: Some burn creams are facial-appropriate for treating sunburns. Check the ingredients to ensure it's gentle on the delicate facial skin.

Q4: How should one store burn cream?

A4: Keep burn cream in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Some need refrigeration, so read the label. Always cap it tightly to prevent germ contamination. Check the expiration date before use.