Burns are injuries caused, in general, by thermal, chemical, electrical or radioactive agents.
They can reach from the superficial layer of the skin (epidermis) to the deepest ones, such as the dermis, muscles, tendons and even bones.
Burns are classified according to the type of the causative agent, the depth they reach and also the size. Check out the types of burns below:
- Thermal burns : caused by heat sources such as fire, hot liquids, vapors, hot objects and excessive exposure to the sun;
- Chemical burns : caused by chemicals in contact with the skin or through clothing;
- Burns from electricity : caused by electrical discharges.
They are also classified according to the size and depth of the lesion. Check out how this classification happens:
- 1st degree : the burn reaches the superficial layers of the skin. They present redness, swelling and bearable local pain, without the formation of bubbles;
- 2nd degree : reaches the deepest layers of the skin. They have blisters, redness, spots on the skin, pain, swelling, peeling of the skin and possible shock. In severe cases, they can reach the entire dermis, reaching the nerve endings of the skin;
- 3rd degree : it reaches all the layers of the skin and can reach the bones. They have little or no pain and the skin looks whitish or carbonized (dark brown);
- 4th degree: the burn can affect bones, nervous tissues and reach the internal organs. There is no pain.
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What to do in cases of burns?
According to the Ministry of Health (MS), some emergency care must be taken immediately in cases of burns. Check it out below:
- Stop the burning process (if it is sunny, for example, go to the shade immediately);
- Remove clothing, accessories, piercings and anything else that may be in contact with the affected area;
- Place the burnt part under running water at room temperature, for a few minutes in order to cool the place;
- Cover the lesions with clean tissue to prevent dirt and contamination;
- Do not touch the burn with your hands;
- Do not pierce bubbles;
- Do not try to peel off tissues stuck to the burned skin;
- Do not remove foreign bodies from the burned area;
- Do not put butter, coffee powder, toothpaste or any other substance on the burn that is not indicated by a doctor.
It is important to remember that the treatment of burns can vary according to the degree and type of injury. Before using any product or ointment on the burn it is important to seek medical advice.
Although some ointments can be purchased without a prescription, it is not recommended to do this on your own. Only a specialist will know how to check the degree of the burn and indicate which is the best product for the treatment.
Ointment for sunburn
In cases of sunburn, the recommendation is not to be exposed to the sun again, to take a bath with cold water to relieve the sensation of heat and to dry gently with a towel without rubbing.
Then, in cases of superficial skin burn, an ointment can be applied to treat burns, such as:
- Bepantol Derma cream : it helps to prevent flaking and promotes natural skin renewal;
- Neomycin Sulfate + Bacitracin Zinc : the ointment is composed of two antibiotics that help to prevent bacterial infections and helps in the regeneration of the skin;
- Nebacetin : is composed of two antibiotics (neomycin and zincic bacitracin), which together inhibit the growth of bacteria, and helps to regenerate the skin;
- Dexpanthenol : it protects and nourishes the skin, contributing to its regeneration and speeding up the healing process.
Ointment for burns in the mouth
In cases of oral burns, it is recommended to use a product to reduce discomfort in the region, preferably those with benzocaine in the composition, which acts as a local anesthetic.
Check out some options:
- Omcilon-A Orabase : it has an anti-inflammatory action and acts as a protective covering that can serve to temporarily reduce the pain, irritation and itching of the oral mucosa;
- Imescard ointment : contains benzocaine in its composition, which acts as an anesthetic of the oral mucosa, relieving pain. It also has antibiotic and anti-inflammatory action.
Ointment for 2nd degree burn with blister
The blisters are formed in 2nd degree burns, in which the dermis (second layer of the skin) is affected. The tissue separates from the epidermis, accumulating liquid between them and forming bubbles.
In cases where the bubble bursts, no type of product should be used on the skin. In such cases, the area should be covered with gauze or a clean cloth to avoid contamination and the person should seek medical attention.
In cases of burns with intact blisters, an option to aid in healing is:
- Silver Sulfadiazine : treats wounds with great potential for infection, such as blistering burns. The ointment acts as a healing and antimicrobial agent (kills or inhibits the development of microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi) ..
Ointment for hot oil burn
Burns caused by oil or other hot liquids are generally classified as 2nd degree burns, as blistering occurs.
In these cases, the most suitable ointment is Silver Sulfadiazine, which helps to heal and keep the affected area free of bacteria.
According to the Ministry of Health, about 1 million people suffer burns in Brazil each year and most cases occur at the victims’ homes.
Burns can have seemingly simple causes like splashing hot oil or getting burned on the stove, an iron, etc. However, injuries can be serious and deserve attention.
It is always best to seek medical advice before using any medication in the injured area.
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