Types of burns
There are several types depending on the cause and area of the lesion.
By type of impact
Depending on the source of exposure, burns can be of the following types.
- Thermal. They occur under the influence of high temperatures in contact with hot objects, boiling liquids, steam, or fire.
- Chemical. Causes caustic alkalis, acids, salts of heavy metals.
- Electrical. The cause is lightning or electric shock.
- Radiation. Formed from infrared, ultraviolet or ionizing radiation.
Most often in everyday life we encounter thermal and radiation, or rather, solar burns.
By area affected
To determine the area of damage, the so-called “rule of the palm” is used. It means that the area of the palm is equal to 1% of the entire surface of human skin. Using this method to determine the affected area, burns are divided into two types:
- Extensive, when the affected area is more than 10%;
- Non-extensive, in which the total area of all affected areas is less than 10-15%.
Degrees of burns
The degree is determined by the depth of damage to the skin and surrounding tissues. Grade I is characterized by redness of the burned area. Recovery occurs in 2-3 days. At stage II, bubbles with transparent contents form. Treatment takes about 2 weeks.
Superficial radiation burn of the second degree
And the most severe degrees are III and IV, in which deep tissue damage occurs down to the bones.
Brown to black crusts form at the site of the burned area. Treatment is carried out in medical institutions. It takes several months to recover.
Thermal burn of the third degree with damage to the integrity of the skin
According to the classification, such burns are classified as deep, and degrees I and II are classified as superficial.
Reviews
There are many reviews on the Internet about the use of anti-burn ointments. People confirm that the key to success is timely first aid and regular treatment of injured areas.
Last month I severely burned my fingers with boiling water. I immediately cooled them under running water, then lubricated them with baby cream. An hour later I applied Levomekol and applied a bandage. This helped avoid the blisters that I was so afraid of. The inflamed skin was washed daily with peroxide and bandaged with Levomekol. As a result, after 2 weeks the burn went away. There was a small mark left, but there were no scars or scars.
I got burned by steam at work. The burn turned out to be extensive. Several blisters appeared, the arm was swollen and painful. The hospital said it was a second degree burn and allowed me to treat myself at home. I used Panthenol three times a day and lubricated the wound with Furacilin cream once. It took a long time to heal. I suffered for almost a month while the skin healed.
Ichthyol ointment helped me with a burn on my leg. I bought it at the pharmacy, generously lubricated the sore spot and applied a bandage. I can say that this is an excellent inexpensive remedy that quickly heals wounds. The main thing is to use it at least 3 times a day and disinfect the burn before treatment.
First aid
In case of a burn without compromising the integrity of the skin, the affected area should be cooled by holding it under cold running water for about 15-20 minutes. Then dry using a clean napkin using blotting movements. Do not rub the burned area. All actions should be gentle so as not to further injure the wound and cause additional pain to the victim. Next, apply a healing agent and give an analgesic.
First aid for a burn with a violation of the integrity of the skin is to apply an aseptic bandage. It is forbidden to cool the affected area and apply medications. Give the victim a pain reliever, ensure plenty of fluids and rest. Then resolve the issue of transportation to the nearest medical facility.
In what cases should you immediately contact specialists?
Unfortunately, there are situations when home treatment is excluded, and the victim must be taken to a medical facility as soon as possible. You should consult a doctor immediately if:
- the lesion occupies a large area;
- a child or elderly person was injured;
- in addition to the skin, mucous surfaces were affected, for example, the mouth or the perineal area;
- the patient’s general condition worsens, chills or confusion appear;
- pus or blood accumulates in burn blisters;
- foreign tissue, such as clothing or dirt, remains in the open wound from the burn;
- the victim has low immunity or has recently suffered a serious illness.
Recommendations for choosing an effective remedy for burns
Your home medicine cabinet must contain a remedy for burn injuries, especially if there are children in the family. Which drug is better to buy? How to choose the most effective, but at the same time inexpensive and safe medicine? You can use the following selection criteria:
- Versatility. The drug should help with various burns, and also be suitable for treating other skin injuries. The combination of analgesic, healing and antibacterial effect would be ideal. Thus, one product will allow you to replace several drugs, which will significantly save both your budget and space in your medicine cabinet.
- Safety. The composition must include only environmentally friendly and safe components. Then it can be used even for children. Therefore, it is better to choose a product from a trusted manufacturer and purchase it at a pharmacy to avoid the risk of running into a fake.
- Ease of use. The easy method of application is a definite plus. Sprays and aerosols are good in this regard. They can be used anywhere as they do not require additional tools for application. It is also convenient to use bandages and plasters impregnated with a medicinal composition. But such products are much more expensive than ointments and creams.
- Efficiency. After reading reviews on the Internet, you can find out how many were satisfied with the therapeutic effect of the drug. You should also consult your doctor or pharmacist at the pharmacy.
Antibacterial and hormonal ointments
Antibiotic agents are prescribed when there is a bacterial factor. Most often, antibiotics in the form of ointments are prescribed in combination with other agents to accelerate skin restoration. Ignoring the instructions and timing of antibiotic use can lead to addiction and increased symptoms when the drugs are discontinued.
Ointment "Levomekol"
The cost of the product starts from 130 rubles per package. The main active ingredient is dioxomethyltetrahydropyrimidine, which is responsible for tissue regeneration, and the antibiotic chloramphenicol. The drug has a very fast action and relieves inflammation. It penetrates deeply into the skin and eliminates pain within 10-20 minutes after application.
Rating of the best remedies for burns in 2021
Taking into account the above selection criteria, we offer the Top 10 most popular and high-quality products in 2021 from the best manufacturers at an affordable price.
Sea buckthorn oil
The average price of a 50 ml bottle is 200 rubles.
The most popular natural remedy. Stimulates wound healing, moisturizes, and has an antiseptic effect.
Advantages
- Helps with all types of burns;
- High efficiency;
- Low cost;
- Protects against infection;
- Safe to treat children, pregnant and lactating women.
Flaws
- Hypersensitivity to components;
- Inconvenient application;
- Stains on clothes.
Ointment dressing "Branolind"
Average price 1 piece. size 7.5*10 cm - 70 rub.
It is a cotton material impregnated with an ointment based on Peruvian balsam. Apply to the affected area and change every 2-3 days.
Ointment dressing "Branolind"
Advantages
- Heals wounds well without forming scars;
- Convenient use;
- Painless dressing change;
- Suitable for treating children.
Flaws
- Individual intolerance;
- Not suitable for treating extensive burns.
Balm “Rescuer”
The average price of a 30 g tube is 150 rubles.
The natural composition has a regenerating, anti-inflammatory and bactericidal effect.
Balm “Rescuer”
Advantages
- Wide scope of application;
- Budget price;
- Contains only natural ingredients;
- Very effective.
- Does not leave marks on clothes.
Flaws
- An allergic reaction to the components is possible.
Balm “Guardian”
The average price of a 30 g tube is 130 rubles.
The healing balm contains unique natural ingredients that have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, moisturizing and softening effects.
Balm “Guardian”
Advantages
- Suitable for treating lesions of any degree;
- Environmentally friendly product;
- Inexpensive price.
Flaws
- Forms a greasy film on the skin that takes a long time to absorb;
- An allergic reaction to individual components is possible.
Spray "Emergency"
The average price of a 50 g cylinder is 400 rubles.
Soothing spray based on medicinal herbs. Easy to apply. Quickly relieves pain and burning.
Spray "Emergency"
Advantages
- Convenient use without contact with damaged skin surface;
- Fast healing without scarring;
- Safe natural composition;
- Absorbs well without leaving a stain on clothes.
Flaws
- Expensive price;
- Individual intolerance is possible.
Ointment "Levomekol"
The average price of a 40 g tube is 130 rubles.
Healing ointment with antibacterial effect. Used for 2-3 degree burns.
Ointment "Levomekol"
Advantages
- Accelerates the recovery of affected skin;
- There are no contraindications due to age;
- Prevents infection of the damaged area;
- Affordable price.
Flaws
- There is a risk of a local allergic reaction.
Ointment "Radevit"
The average price of a 35 g tube is 350 rubles.
The composition contains vitamins A, D and E, which act on tissue metabolism, thereby accelerating skin regeneration. Thanks to its moisturizing effect, it prevents secondary infection of healing wounds.
Ointment "Radevit"
Advantages
- High efficiency;
- Versatility;
- Can be used in children under one year of age, during pregnancy and lactation;
- Cools, eliminating pain and itching.
Flaws
- Oily in consistency, poorly absorbed, leaving marks on clothes;
- Do not use for a long time, as it can lead to hypervitaminosis;
- High price.
Aerosol "Olazol"
The average price of a can of 80 g is 250 rubles.
Contains chloramphenicol (antibacterial effect), benzocaine (pain-relieving effect), sea buckthorn oil (promotes healing). The aerosol ensures uniform distribution of the product on the surface of the wound.
Aerosol "Olazol"
Advantages
- Highly effective in treating complex burns;
- Complex action of the drug;
- Ease of use.
Flaws
- Individual intolerance;
- There is a risk of allergy to the antibacterial component;
- Contraindicated during pregnancy, breastfeeding and children under 2 years of age.
Cream "Bepanten plus"
The average cost of a 30 g tube is 250 rubles.
Contains dexpanthenol and chlorhexidine, which is an excellent antiseptic. Apply using a cotton swab or spatula.
Cream "Bepanten plus"
Advantages
- High efficiency;
- Cooling effect;
- Versatility;
- Prevents infection;
- Safe. It is used in children under one year of age, during pregnancy and lactation.
Flaws
- Individual intolerance to components;
- High price;
- Inconvenient to apply and causing discomfort.
Spray "Panthenol"
The average price of a 130 ml cylinder is 300 rubles.
The main component of the spray is dexpanthenol. It has a high regenerating ability. Light foam is painlessly applied to the burned area and turns into a thin film.
Spray "Panthenol"
Advantages
- High efficiency;
- Ease of use;
- Does not leave stains on clothes;
- The indication is any type of burn;
- Relieves pain by cooling the skin;
- Suitable for any age;
- Prevents scarring;
- Can be used during pregnancy and lactation.
Flaws
- Individual intolerance to components;
- Higher cost than similar drugs with dexpanthenol.
What burn remedy helped you?
Traditional medicine recipes
Available foods and products are used to achieve positive results at home:
- Prepare oil (use 50 g of olive or vegetable oil), about 40 g of high-quality beeswax, boiled yolk. In order to prepare homemade ointment, the oil is heated to such a temperature that the wax dissolves. After this, hard-boiled yolk is added in small parts. This process is accompanied by large foam. Preparing the ointment does not take much time; the ingredients are simple, as is the method.
- For the next recipe you will need oil and beeswax. The proportional ratio of components is 3:1. To prepare the oil, place it on the stove and add wax. After dissolving and combining the elements, it is necessary to cool the medicine. Then place the contents on cheesecloth. After the pain subsides, such a compress is applied to the injured skin area. For storage, choose a dark, cool place, such as a refrigerator.
Prevention
Often burn injuries occur due to our fault due to violation of safety rules or carelessness. The risk group consists of young children who are injured due to the negligence of adults. Here are some tips for preventing household burns.
- Safety precautions should be observed when operating household electrical appliances.
- Make sure you have a fire alarm or at least keep a fire extinguisher in working order in case of fire.
- Talk to children about safety rules. This communication can be done in a playful way.
- Do not leave young children unattended.
- Keep dangerous objects such as matches and vinegar essence out of the reach of children.
- Monitor the condition of the electrical wiring. If necessary, make timely replacement.
- To prevent sunburn, it is recommended to use sunscreen.
- Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun.
- Do not overuse the solarium.
Burns cause a lot of discomfort and pain. Therefore, it is better to make every effort to prevent such troubles. And if an injury does occur, now you know how to help yourself and your loved ones.