Which ointment is best for burns

However, keloid scars often do not fade by themselves and may require treatment. If burn scars cause significant distress, a person can talk to their doctor about options for reducing scar tissue. These treatments involve working with the damaged collagen.

The AAD recommend the following medical options for reducing scars:. While these treatments can help to reduce scars, they may not remove them completely, and healing can take time. Avoid using creams that contain vitamin A or vitamin E on scars, as this can make them more noticeable. However, it is important to keep the skin moisturized. After a recent burn, a person can use several methods to prevent or reduce the severity of scars:.

To ensure a severe burn is healing well make regular appointments with a doctor. They can advise on how to prevent or lessen scarring and check the burn is healing as it should. A person can usually treat a first-degree burn at home by soaking the burn in cool water for a minimum of 5 minutes. People who have a second-degree burn should usually see a medical professional. However, people can treat small burns at home in the following ways:. If a burn does not heal within a week, regardless of its size or severity, make an appointment with a doctor.

If the burn scar is severe or it does not fade in time, a person should also consult their doctor. However, it is essential to consult a doctor before putting anything on severe burns and taking new supplements as these may interfere with other treatments.

The majority of minor burns will heal without causing any further problems and do not require medical care. More severe burns need medical management, may leave scars, and carry a higher risk of complications, such as:. Burns cause open wounds where bacteria and other germs can enter the body. The resulting infections can be minor and easily treatable or can develop into more severe infections, such as sepsis. Burns cause the body to lose fluid.

Losing excessive amounts of fluid can cause dehydration , which can affect the volume of blood flowing through the body. Contractures occur during the healing process when scar tissue forms. First aid for Minor Burns. First, calm and reassure the person who is burned. Cool the burn: Use cool water, not ice. The extreme cold from ice can injure the tissue even more. If possible, particularly if the burn is caused by chemicals, hold the burned skin under cool running water for 10 to 15 minutes until it does not hurt as much.

Use a sink, shower, or garden hose. If this is not possible, put a cool, clean wet cloth on the burn, or soak the burn in a cool water bath for 5 minutes. Caring for Burns. If it is a minor burn: Clean the burn gently with soap and water. Do not break blisters. An opened blister can get infected. You may put a thin layer of ointment, such as petroleum jelly or aloe vera, on the burn. The ointment does not need to have antibiotics in it.

Some antibiotic ointments can cause an allergic reaction. Do not use cream, lotion, oil, cortisone, butter, or egg white. If needed, protect the burn from rubbing and pressure with a sterile non-stick gauze petrolatum or Adaptic-type lightly taped or wrapped over it. Do not use a dressing that can shed fibers, because they can get caught in the burn.

Change the dressing once a day. For pain, take an over-the-counter pain medicine. Larger burns and third and fourth-degree burns require immediate medical attention. If you burn yourself, your first course of action should be to run cool water over the area for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, wash the burn with mild soap and water.

You can reduce the pain and swelling of the burnt area by using a cool compress or cool cloth. Apply the compress in 5 to minute intervals. Use an over the counter antibiotic ointment or cream like Neosporin or Bacitracin to prevent infection of the burn. After applying the product, cover the area with a cling film or a sterile dressing or cloth.

Applying aloe vera to your burn will help promote healing by reducing inflammation, promoting circulation, and inhibiting the growth of bacteria. If needed, you can purchase aloe vera gel at a store. Applying honey to your burn will help it heal faster. Honey has anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal properties.

If your burn is causing you pain that is not improved with a cold compress, you can take over the counter pain relievers.