First-degree burns Apply petroleum jelly or aloe vera gel a few times a day to help soothe and protect the skin. Consider taking over-the-counter pain medicine (such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen) to ease pain. Protect the affected area from direct heat and sunlight to prevent further damage.
Neosporin (Triple Antibiotic Ointment) is an appropriate treatment option for a minor, uncomplicated burn. Other potential treatments include bacitracin, Polysporin, or petroleum jelly. You should apply the ointment or cream and cover the wound with a non-stick dressing or pad such as Telfa (not a cotton ball).
Place the burned area under running water slightly colder than room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes or until the pain eases. Or put a cool, clean, damp cloth on the burn. Be aware that the burned area may swell. Remove tight items, such as rings or clothing, from the burned area as quickly as possible.
1st degree burns and superficial 2nd degree burns with intact skin rarely become infected and therefore do not require treatment with antimicrobial agents. They can be effectively treated with a fragrance-free moisturizing cream, plain petroleum jelly (Vaseline), or aloe vera.
In a study of twenty-seven patients with partial thickness burn wound, they were treated with aloe vera gel compared with vaseline gauze. It revealed the aloe vera gel treated lesion healed faster than the vaseline gauze area.
The Vaseline label clearly states that this product is intended for minor burns and, indeed, our research has proved that the product supports the healthy healing of minor burns as it protects the damaged area from bacteria while not interfering with the healing process (see bmj.com for evidence).
Second-degree burns (also known as partial thickness burns) involve the epidermis and part of the dermis layer of skin. The burn site appears red, blistered, and may be swollen and painful.
Ointment of any kind is not recommended to treat a burn due to the risk of infection. Petroleum jelly, applied two to three times daily, may help the burned area to retain moisture and heal more quickly.
While petroleum jelly has many benefits, it shouldn't be used for everything. Avoid putting petroleum jelly on your face if you are acne-prone, as this may cause breakouts in some people. If you have questions about your skin or how to take care of it, see a board-certified dermatologist.
Cool Burn
Immerse in cool water for 10 or 15 minutes. Use compresses if running water isn't available. Don't apply ice. It can lower body temperature and cause further pain and damage.
Treating burns and scalds
cool the burn with cool or lukewarm running water for 20 to 30 minutes – do not use ice, iced water, or any creams or greasy substances like butter. make sure the person keeps warm by using a blanket, for example, but take care not to rub it against the burnt area.
You should keep your burn covered for the first few days after the event as you let your skin heal. Make sure your blisters stay closed on your skin. If a blister breaks open, you should keep your burn covered with a bandage to prevent an infection.
Cool the burn. Hold the area under cool — not cold — running water for about 10 minutes. If this isn't possible or if the burn is on the face, apply a cool, wet cloth until the pain eases. For a mouth burn from hot food or drink, put a piece of ice in the mouth for a few minutes.
Burnaid Gel is a topical gel for skin burns. Burnaid Gel contains melaleuca oil (tea tree oil). Melaleuca oil is an essential oil well known for its antiseptic qualities.
Aloe gel, made from the central part of the aloe leaf, is a common household remedy for minor cuts and burns, as well as sunburns. It can be found in many commercial skin lotions and cosmetics. Aloe contains active compounds that may reduce pain and inflammation and stimulate skin growth and repair.
Here are a few guidelines: The burn is larger than three inches in diameter on your face, hands, feet, or a joint. The burn was caused by an electric shock or a chemical. There is pus or other fluid leaking from the burn.
Use a moisturizing lotion if needed. A non-prescription antihistamine such as diphenhydramine (eg, Benadryl) may help reduce itching. If your burn is not healing, becomes more painful, or appears infected (redness spreading greater than 2 cm from the edge of the burn), you should see a health care provider soon.
Immediately applying cool running water is believed to mitigate the severity of the injury by dissipating thermal energy, stabilizing blood vessels, reducing the release of pro-inflammatory chemicals and influencing cellular responses. “It's a high-value, low-cost way to minimize complications from burn injuries.
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.
The belief is that a greasy substance will cool and soothe the burn. But there is no evidence that butter or any other greasy substance — mayonnaise, petroleum jelly, etc. — can heal a burn. Instead, they'll cause the wound to retain heat, slowing the healing process.
Second-degree burns
They are usually bright red with a moist or blistered appearance. Scalding with extremely hot water or other liquid may cause this type of burn.
There is no scientific evidence for using mustard to treat burns. In fact, it may actually irritate your skin further. After applying mustard, your skin may feel warm, but that doesn't mean it's healing your skin.
NEOSPORIN® Burn Relief First Aid Antibiotic Ointment helps relieve minor burn pain while allowing burns to heal properly by preventing infection. This topical first-aid ointment features a maximum-strength, no-sting formula to help soothe and reduce pain of minor burns, such as cooking burns.