Nebacetin and Bepantol are some examples of ointments used to treat burns, which help to heal them and prevent the onset of infections.
Ointments for burns can be purchased at any pharmacy and generally do not require a prescription and are indicated for the treatment of mild 1st degree burns without bubble or peeling skin.
1. Bepantol
It is an ointment composed of Dexpanthenol, a compound that protects and nourishes the skin, helping in its healing and stimulating its regeneration. This ointment should be applied under the burn 1 to 3 times a day, and is only indicated for light 1st degree burns, which did not form a bubble.
2. Nebacetin
This ointment is composed of two antibiotics, Neomycin Sulfate and Bacitracin, which prevent the development of bacteria and help in the healing of the burn. This ointment is indicated for signs of infection such as pus or excessive swelling and should be applied 2 to 5 times a day with the aid of a gauze, on the advice of a health professional.
3. Esperson
It is an ointment composed of an anti-inflammatory and an antibiotic, because it has in its composition Desoximetasona and Sulfato de neomycin, substances that prevent the onset of infections and help in healing. This ointment is indicated for 1st degree burns, and may be used 1 to 2 times a day, as directed by a healthcare professional.
4. Dermazine
This antimicrobial ointment has in its composition Silver Sulfadiazine and, therefore, is ideal to prevent the emergence of bacterial infections, as well as to aid in healing. It is recommended to use this ointment 1 to 2 times a day, under the guidance of a health professional.
Only first-degree burns without bubbles or loose skin can be treated at home, unlike in cases where there are burns with blisters or burns of 2nd or 3rd degree, which need to be seen and treated by a doctor or nurse .
Learn what to do in case of severe burn, in First Aid for Burns.
How to treat a 1st Degree Burn
Learn how to treat all kinds of burns in this humorous video that our team has prepared for you:
1st degree burns are generally mild burns that are easy to treat and should be treated as follows:
- Begin by washing well the area to be treated, and if possible place the burned area under running water for 5 to 15 minutes;
- Then apply cool compresses to the site, and let it act while there is pain or swelling. The compresses may be soaked in cold water or iced chamomile tea, which helps soothe the skin;
- Lastly, healing ointments or antibiotic creams and corticosteroids may be given and should be given 1-3 times daily for 3 to 5 days of treatment, under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
If blisters develop later or if the skin comes off it is recommended that you see a doctor or nurse to guide the best treatment and prevent the onset of infections.
