The Best Topical Treatments for Burn Wounds
Any ointment for burns is aimed at accelerating the healing of injured skin. Therapeutic properties are determined by the biochemical composition of pharmaceutical products. Some have a bactericidal effect, others have an anti-inflammatory effect, and others have an anti-edematous effect. Ointments are used to treat 1st and 2nd degree burn wounds that are not accompanied by damage to the deep layers of the skin. Local therapy stimulates the regeneration of skin tissue, prevents complications - purulent inflammation, sepsis, bleeding.
Possible complications
Damage caused by cigarettes has a number of consequences and complications. Cigarette ash can result in a scar that will not go away on its own. It is formed with a 2-3 degree burn. Secondary necrosis and suppuration appear if the inflammation is not removed when the infection is reintroduced.
Toxic epidermal necrosis or sepsis is rare. Such phenomena occur when wounds suppurate with the formation of necrotic masses. Burns should not be allowed to fester.
The best way to avoid such situations is to quit smoking and be careful when people smoke around you.
If damage from cigarette ash does occur, it is necessary to provide first aid and apply the correct treatment.
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First aid
If you receive burns, you need to act quickly. To prevent further damage to your skin, you should:
- rinse the damaged areas with running cool water (at least 10 minutes);
- dry the skin with a clean towel or napkin;
- apply pain-relieving ointments (Sulfargin, Radevit);
- for rapid healing, treat the lesions with a regenerating agent (Solcoseryl, Levomekol);
- Apply a loose sterile bandage.
Ointments for burns are used for 3-5 days until complete recovery. For severe pain and burning, analgesics (Fastum gel, Ketonal) are used.
Degree of damage to skin and mucous membranes
Clinical manifestations of burns and methods of their treatment depend on the depth of tissue damage.
It is very important not to apply oily products to such burns, since oils only promote the proliferation of pathogenic microorganisms.
Each degree corresponds to specific symptoms that determine the severity of the damage:
- First. The cells of the outer layer of skin and mucous epithelium on the inner surface of the lips are destroyed. It manifests itself as moderate swelling, redness, pain or burning. A mild burn can be treated for no more than 3-5 days with regenerating and antiseptic agents.
- Second. All layers of the skin are damaged up to the basement membrane, which is adjacent to the dermis. The second degree is accompanied by swelling, redness, and blisters. Symptoms disappear within 10-14 days with adequate treatment.
- Third. The epidermis, superficial or even all layers of the dermis are destroyed. The damaged area turns bright red and blisters form on it. Due to the burn of sensory receptors, painful sensations are dulled.
- Fourth. Cells of all layers of the skin die, down to the subcutaneous layer, which consists of adipose and connective tissue. The muscles and bones of the lower or upper jaw are damaged.
With deep injuries, the mucous membrane swells and turns outward. Because of this, the red border of the lips visually resembles the mouth of a fish.
Features of treatment of different types of burns
Methods of burn treatment are determined by the causes of tissue injury. Depending on the provoking factors, the following types of burns are distinguished:
Treatment of first or second degree burn wounds is carried out outside the hospital with local drugs that have the following properties:
- antiseptic;
- bactericidal;
- decongestants (antiexudative);
- painkillers;
- anti-inflammatory;
- regenerating.
If only the epidermis is affected, you need to cool the damaged area with running water or a cold compress. In case of contact with a chemical reagent, rinse the skin for at least 10 minutes. Over the next 2-3 days, apply burn cream to the damaged area.
Burn disease is dangerous due to purulent complications. Therefore, after emergency care, a sterile bandage with antiseptic ointment (Sulfargin, Levomekol) is applied to the injured tissues. For severe pain, use either local or systemic analgesics based on Ibuprofen - Arofen, Ibunorm Baby, Affida Max, Ibutex, etc.
It is worth remembering that self-medication is strictly not recommended. Only a qualified doctor will be able to objectively assess the condition of the victim and prescribe treatment, taking into account the age and severity of the injury. The course of treatment is determined individually.
Starting from third degree burn wounds, surgical treatment is required. Such injuries are accompanied by damage to the deep layers of the dermis, which makes independent tissue regeneration no longer possible. Topical therapy is used only to speed up the shedding of dead skin.
Chemical burn
A similar burn to the lower or upper lip can be caused by careless handling of aggressive liquids, for example:
- iodine,
- lime,
- alkali,
- acid,
- cleaning and detergents.
The degree of damage to lip tissue will directly depend on the duration of contact with the chemical, as well as on the concentration of the latter. Against the background of a chemical burn of the mouth, swelling, watery blisters, scabs also appear, bleeding from the damaged area is possible, but most of all such burns are dangerous due to the development of tissue necrosis.
What to do in case of such mouth injuries? Firstly, immediately call an ambulance, and secondly, try to minimize the harm caused by the chemical. The effects of acid are neutralized by alkali and vice versa. So, people making a neutralizer must remember that an alkaline solution is formed by diluting soda, ammonia or liquid soap with water, and an acidic solution is formed by dissolving citric acid or vinegar.
You can also try to wash away toxic substances as much as possible with cold running water. The only case when this should not be done is in case of a burn with quicklime. In this case, the damaged area is treated with a 20% sugar solution. To reduce pain until the victim reaches a medical facility, you can use bandages with a solution of lidocaine or novocaine. Unfortunately, treatment of chemical burns is quite lengthy and can take 1-2 months.
What is prohibited to do
Complications from burn disease in 70% of cases are associated with improper first aid and further treatment. To prevent further injury to the skin or mucous membranes, it is prohibited:
- treat the wound with alcohol;
- apply animal fats;
- rub damaged skin;
- apply a tight bandage;
- pour iodine on burns;
- wash off the quicklime with water;
- puncture bubble formations;
- tear off pieces of clothing stuck to the wound.
Features of injury
Failure to comply with safety precautions or careless handling of a cigarette often leads to the skin being exposed to the smoldering substances that burn when smoking. The severity of the burn gradually increases with the time of exposure to the dermis.
Doctors identify three features that the victim should pay attention to at the very beginning.
- Damage zone. Most often, pinpoint burns from cigarettes appear on the hands. This option is the least dangerous, since it has a relatively small area and, as a rule, a short period of exposure to the dermis.
- Presence of tobacco on the wound. When a cigarette is burned, it produces ash, which can settle in combination with tarry substances and cigarette paper on the skin. If there are tobacco crumbs left on the open area of the wound, they must be carefully removed.
- Due to contamination and the small radius of the wound, even professionals often find it difficult to determine the degree of burn. Therefore, you should not neglect medical help even if the damage done seems minimal.
Anti-inflammatory ointments for burns
At the stage of inflammation, the necrotic mass melts. It is necessary to immediately clean the wound, as well as adjacent skin areas, from dirt, decay products and damage. It is very important to prevent infection. The use of ointments in this category not only relieves inflammation and swelling, but also restores damaged tissue.
Advantages
- Ointments for inflammation destroy pathogenic microorganisms. This reduces the likelihood of bacteria and germs multiplying.
- It may take a long time before contacting a medical facility. Therefore, subsequent injury must be prevented.
- To protect the wound from exposure to the external environment, it is enough to apply a bandage soaked in the product.
Flaws
- The drug contains antibacterial components. Therefore, the ointment can cause an allergic reaction in the form of skin hyperemia, burning, and swelling.
- Patients also noted attacks of vomiting and nausea.
- Some ointments, for example, tetracycline, can cause changes in blood composition, damage internal organs, and also increase photosensitivity.
How to prevent skin scars?
The healing of the wound and its subsequent condition depends on the first manipulations performed. The earlier and more correctly first aid was provided, the greater the likelihood that after the burn there will be no trace left.
To prevent the formation of a burn scar, you need to apply aloe vera gel to the wound. The procedure is performed at least twice a day while the healing process continues. Aloe is ideal for regenerating damaged tissue and helping to avoid scarring. Medicines such as:
- Contractubex;
- Dermatix;
- Mederma;
- Fermenkol.
Contractubex - gel for the treatment of scars after a cigarette burn.
Burns of 2, 3 and 4 degrees require special treatment measures to prevent the formation of scars, but even with superficial damage it is not a bad idea to play it safe.
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Rating of the best anti-inflammatory ointments for burns
Levomekol
The combined product is water-based.
It is hydrophilic. It is very easy to wash off the skin. Combines well with other medications.
The composition includes chloramphenicol and methyluaracil. The ointment destroys pathogenic microorganisms that cause wound rotting.
- Can be used to treat burns of various origins and degrees. The drug is also prescribed to children under 12 years of age. Simultaneous treatment in combination with other drugs is allowed. Wide range of treatments at low prices
- Contains strong antibacterial components. May contribute to an allergic reaction. To achieve the maximum therapeutic effect, the course of treatment should be at least one week. You need to apply the ointment twice a day. Accidental contact with mucous membranes causes nausea, vomiting, and decreased blood pressure.
Ichthyol ointment
Has an anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effect. Relieves pain symptoms.
The composition includes ichthammol, as well as medical petroleum jelly. To treat a burn, apply a thin layer to the skin.
Under no circumstances should you rub it in. On average, you will need about three procedures per day.
Then a gauze bandage should be applied to the skin. The duration of therapy and dosage should be prescribed by a doctor.
- Low price. Thick consistency. The ointment does not flow. Helps heal the wound. The drug can also be used for other purposes (for the treatment of ulcers, boils, etc.). Even with constant use, one package will last on average for six months.
- You need to be extremely careful when changing the dressing. Do not allow the ointment to come into contact with mucous membranes. Specific smell. Cannot be used by children under 12 years of age.
Vishnevsky ointment
Suitable for almost all types of burns. Apply as a bandage.
For fixation you will need a standard bandage or plaster. Heals wounds quickly.
Pharmacological companies also produce “Balsamic Liniment according to Vishnevsky”. The composition includes xeroform, castor oil and birch tar.
- The active substance has an effective antiseptic effect. Tar increases blood flow to tissues. Castor oil promotes rapid penetration of components into the skin. Helps not only with thermal, but also chemical burns. Reduces the temperature of the damaged area, which relieves pain.
- Pungent, unpleasant odor. Stains clothes. It is very difficult to remove stains. When changing the compress, it is necessary to remove the previous layer of the drug. It is very difficult to carry out the procedure on your own. Doctors do not recommend using ointment on fresh wounds. The drug can have a more effective effect after applying Ichthyol ointment. Let's look at its features in more detail.
Synthomycin
Contains chloramphenicol. It is also used in the production of syntomycin liniment.
Apply to the affected area after skin treatment. Cover the top with a gauze bandage (sterile).
It is enough to use at least three days. The procedure is carried out once a day.
- Low cost. Can be used during lactation and pregnancy. Suitable for treating particularly sensitive areas of the face, including the eyes. Also prescribed for children under 12 years of age. Does not interact with other medications.
- Causes an allergic reaction in the form of urticaria and angioedema. Long-term exposure leads to disruption of the blood formula. It is forbidden to use in patients with skin diseases, renal failure, acute intermittent porphyria. Unpleasant smell.
Furacilin
Has a strong anti-inflammatory and bactericidal effect. The composition includes nitrfural and white soft paraffin.
At the initial stage, it should be used as a compress 2 times a day. Enters the systemic circulation.
Easily overcomes histohematic barriers. Capable of distribution in tissues and liquids.
Transported to the intestines with bile and kidneys.
- Has a pronounced antiseptic effect. Allowed for use from two months of age. Relieves swelling. Microbial flavoproteins reduce the 5-nitro group, which causes cell death. Resistance to the drug develops slowly.
- Does not have a quick effect. It is prohibited to use simultaneously with several drugs. For example, Baneocin will cause an oto- and nephrotoxic reaction. Not recommended for use with a history of kidney disease. Side effects often occur in the form of a local allergic reaction. Suitable for treating second and third degree burns.
How to treat a lip burn: restorative therapy
Treatment of burn injuries is aimed at eliminating inflammation and restoring tissue integrity. Superficial burns are treated with topical medications at home. If the cells of the dermis and subcutaneous fat are destroyed, the victims are hospitalized in a burn center.
Pharmacy products
Anti-burn ointment, gel or spray will help reduce pain and inflammation in the affected areas. Treatment for superficial burns includes:
- Pantestin is a wound-healing gel with dexpanthenol, which has anti-inflammatory properties. Apply exclusively to the skin in a thin layer three times a day.
- Rescuer is a cream with regenerating, softening and antiseptic action. Prevents skin from cracking when crusts form on the lips.
- Panthenol is a hygienic lipstick with provitamin B5, which stimulates scarring of the skin. Contains shea butter, therefore it has a softening effect on burned tissues. Use no more than 4-5 times a day.
- Levomekol is an antimicrobial agent with wound healing and anti-inflammatory properties. A compress with ointment is applied to the burned areas of the lips three times a day.
- Levosin is a combined antimicrobial ointment that accelerates the exfoliation of dead tissue. Prescribed for purulent inflammation of the lips, non-healing ulcerations.
To treat the inner surface of the lips, solution antiseptics are used - a weak solution of tannin or furatsilin. Pain is relieved with non-narcotic analgesics - Tempalgin, Ibuprofen, Baralgin.
Traditional methods
Alternative medicine is used to speed up metabolism in the skin, increase local immunity, and disinfect the oral mucosa.
As a concomitant treatment, too hot dishes, as well as spicy, salty, smoked and spicy foods, which slow down the wound healing process by irritating the mucous membrane, are excluded from the patient’s diet.
For burn injuries of the lips the following are used:
- Chamomile decoction. 1 tbsp. l. herbs are poured into 250 ml of water and boiled for 10 minutes. Rinse with the strained broth every 1.5-2 hours.
- St. John's wort decoction. 10 g of raw material is poured into 300 ml of water and boiled for 5-7 minutes. Moisten gauze or cotton pads in the decoction and apply to the lips for 30 minutes 4-5 times a day.
- Burdock and plantain. Burdock root and plantain leaves are crushed and mixed in equal proportions. The pulp is wrapped in sterile gauze and applied to the lips three times a day for 20 minutes.
- Ointment with oil. Chalk is mixed with olive oil until a creamy mixture is obtained. Apply to the damaged area 3-4 times a day.
Sea buckthorn oil is used to disinfect and soften the mucous membranes of the lips. It is recommended to use the product until the tissues have completely healed.
Burn ointments for skin regeneration
At this stage, tissues grow. The affected elements are connected. Granulation, young tissue appears at the bottom of the wound, as well as its walls.
Advantages
- Stimulates skin healing.
- Contains vitamins and other useful components.
- They do not cause severe side effects compared to anti-inflammatory drugs.
Flaws
- Such drugs may also contain antibacterial components. In this case, ointments are prescribed to children under 2 months and during pregnancy.
- Premature transition to the second stage of treatment may prolong wound healing.
Prevention
If you follow certain rules, you can reduce the likelihood of skin damage. Follow these guidelines:
- Hide household chemicals away. Remove funds higher if there are small children in the house;
- Open bottles containing any chemical compounds correctly. Do not touch bottles with your mouth or teeth;
- limit your exposure to the sun. The most dangerous hours are from 12 to 16. Always use sunscreen with a high UV index;
- buy cosmetics of which you are confident;
- buy healing ointment and put it in your home medicine cabinet. The composition should include dexpanthenol.
If you follow the rules for handling hazardous substances, the risk of lip burns will be minimal.
Injuries to the mouth area are not common and are rarely serious. In most cases, victims are burned by boiling water or injured due to excessive exposure to the sun. After examining the patient, the doctor recommends means for disinfection and healing. A significant proportion of lesions are treated at home and do not require hospitalization. Provided that first aid is provided quickly, there will be no scars or scars on the lips that change their shape.
Rating of the best regenerating ointments for burns
Actovegin
Provides effective healing and regenerative effects.
The composition includes white paraffin, cetyl alcohol, nipagin, cholesterol, deproteinized extract from the blood of calves. To be effective, apply a thin layer to the affected area.
- There are several forms of release for all stages of healing. Does not contain toxic components. Can be used during pregnancy and lactation. The drug is also able to prevent radiation damage.
Bepanten
The ointment contains dexpanthenol. Also among the auxiliary components there is an antimicrobial substance.
Therefore, the drug can be used for sun and thermal burns. Bepanten is also able to prevent the development of bacterial infections.
- Can be used by children up to 2 months. Combined impact. Not addictive. Application in a thick layer does not lead to an overdose. Neutral scent.
- High price. Cannot be used with other antiseptic drugs. Antagonism or inactivation may occur.
Solcoseryl
The Swiss drug is produced in the form of a gel and ointment. At the initial stage, doctors prescribe a gel.
It is responsible for the formation of granulation tissue. It can also be used to remove separated areas from the wound.
The composition contains no fat components. Therefore, the skin continues to breathe.
The likelihood of a “wetting” wound is reduced. At the second stage you will need ointment.
With its help, a protective film is formed. Full recovery occurs on average within one week.
Treatment of deep burns will require longer therapy. The composition includes polidocanol 600, calf blood extract (deproteinized), propyl, methyl ester of parahydroxybenzoic acid.
- Affordable price. Quick effect. Has a combined effect. It will help get rid of post-acne, wrinkles and scars. Used economically.
- Unpleasant “meaty” smell. Users note the inconvenience of using a metal tube. Causes hives.
Zinc ointment
Has an astringent, antiseptic and drying effect. The composition includes zinc oxide, petroleum jelly or paraffin.
The active substance penetrates deep into the skin and retains its properties for a long time. Thanks to this, it ensures rapid healing.
Zinc ions enhance repiethelization of the skin. It is enough to use the ointment three times a day.
- Excessive use does not cause overdose. Can be combined with other medications. Prescribed for pregnant women and during the lactation period. Performs several secondary functions - prevents infection of the skin, protects against the negative effects of external factors, and reduces the severity of inflammation.
- It is not advisable to use in patients with hypersensitivity to the components of the drug. It is also not prescribed for children under 12 years of age.
Radevit
The drug contains active ingredients that stimulate the regenerative processes of the skin - vitamin A, E, D. Wound healing occurs due to stimulation of metabolism.
In addition, the drug has an effective effect on dermatoses. Eliminates itchy skin.
- New fabric often dries out. This leads to the formation of cracks. "Radevit" restores balance and thereby prevents re-infection. There are practically no contraindications. The product can be used during pregnancy, lactation and children under 1 year. There are no antibacterial components in the composition.
Further treatment
Only a specialist can prescribe the correct treatment for a serious injury. Victims, of course, rarely seek professional help, preferring to self-medicate. This approach leads to the formation of scars and scars from cigarette burns.
In what cases is the help of a doctor essential:
- a child was injured;
- there are suggestions that the burn is 3rd or 4th degree;
- the damage occurred in the groin, face, armpit, foot or palm;
- the victim experiences complications in the form of suppuration, increased body temperature, and severe pain;
- the wound constantly bleeds;
- There is more than one cigarette burn.
As a result of the examination, the doctor determines the severity of the injury and, if necessary, prescribes tests.
Treatment with medications
A burn can be treated effectively and quickly with dexpanthenol-based preparations. It is a derivative of pantothenic acid, which in turn is responsible for the restoration and relief of unpleasant burn symptoms.
If an infection occurs, the doctor prescribes medications with antibiotics: Levomikol, Levosin, streptocidal ointment, Streptonitol or Dioxyzol emulsion. Several times a day, the products are applied directly to the wound or used as impregnation of a bandage for a bandage. Ointments based on polyethylene oxide: Methyluracil or Sulfamekol will help speed up healing and avoid complications.
In case of infection due to a cigarette burn, Levosin is prescribed
As mentioned earlier, it is better to leave the wound open, since free access of air prevents the development of anaerobic infection in it. If, due to circumstances, you cannot do without a bandage, use it to treat the burned area 2-3 times a day.
Alternative medicine for treating cigarette burns
If you don’t have the necessary medications on hand and there is no pharmacy nearby, you can use home remedies. Compresses based on:
- aloe;
- grated potatoes;
- tea leaves;
- cabbage leaves;
- pumpkin juice.
Like medicated dressings, traditional medicine compresses need to be changed up to 3 times a day.
Ointments for burns at the epithelization stage
At the final stage, the skin closes the wound. If you do not use special preparations, a scar will form. Such drugs, as a rule, contain only safe components. They help soften the skin and relieve pain from the residual effects of the burn.
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Rating | #1 | #2 | #3 |
Name | Actovegin | Zinc ointment | Radevit |
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Rating | #1 | #2 | #3 |
Name | Furacilin | Levomekol | Synthomycin |
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Providing first aid after a cigarette burn
Most often, a cigarette burn appears on the hand, because... this is the most unprotected part of the body. First aid consists of properly washing the wound to remove cigarette combustion products. You can wash the burn with running water, or you can use a bandage soaked in a solution of Furacilin, Miramistin, Chlorhexdine or peroxide. After the wound has been cleaned, anti-burn ointments or creams are applied to it. They will help relieve pain and prevent inflammation from spreading. The following drugs can be used for these purposes:
- Panthenol;
- Bepanten;
- Baneocin;
- Rescuer;
- Povidone-iodine;
- Levomekol et al.
To prevent the skin from blistering, you can apply a cold compress to the wound. Wrap a few ice cubes in a cloth and apply to the burn area. If there is no ice, you can use any frozen product, as long as it is wrapped in cloth or gauze.