The use of burn ointment can be a solution to treat burns on the skin. However, do not use it carelessly. Make sure the type of burn ointment used is in accordance with the severity of the wound, so that the treatment results are maximized.
Burns are skin injuries caused by exposure to temperature or hot objects, radiation, radioactivity, electricity, or chemicals. The degree of burn consists of three levels of severity, where the damage to skin tissue and the extent and depth of the wound at each level are different.
Types of Burn Ointment and Their Benefits
In first-degree burns, the skin is generally not blistered but has mild inflammation, redness and swelling of the skin. While second degree burns are characterized by pain at the wound, reddened skin, swelling and blisters. While third degree burns, can cause the skin to look white or black, scorched and possibly numb.
To treat burns, you need to use an ointment that is appropriate to the degree of severity:
1. Bacitracin ointment
Ointment bacitracin can be used to treat minor burns or 1st degree burns. This burn ointment contains antibiotics that are useful for stopping, preventing, and treating skin infections caused by bacteria.
Even though the ointment bacitracin sold freely, try to always consult a doctor before using it. In some conditions, such as extensive burns, the use of ointments bacitracin not recommended.
2. Aloe vera ointment
Aloe vera cream or ointment can also be used to treat 1st and 2nd degree burns. Aloe vera can treat burns because it can improve blood circulation, inhibit bacterial growth, and contains anti-inflammatory substances.
Research shows that burns treated with aloe vera ointment or cream tend to heal faster than those treated with ointment silver sulfadiazine. However, this still needs to be investigated further.
3. Ointment silver sulfadiazine
Burns caused by scalding hot water, hot oil, or hot irons can be treated with burn ointments containing silver sulfadiazine. This ointment helps the burn heal by stopping and preventing the infection from spreading to the surrounding skin.
Although it can treat second-degree burns, the use of this ointment can also cause the area of skin that is applied to be sensitive to sunlight. So, it is recommended to protect the burn area from sun exposure when using the ointment silver sulfadiazine.
4. Ointment mafenide acetate
Ointment mafenide acetate It can also be used to treat burns. This type of burn ointment can kill bacteria and reduce the risk of bacteria spreading to the surrounding skin or to the bloodstream. This ointment is also useful for treating severe burn infections or third-degree burns.
In addition to burn ointment, there are also natural ingredients that can help treat minor burns, such as binahong leaves and honey and bee pollen. You can also use cucumber to treat sunburned skin. But remember, it's best to consult a doctor before applying honey, cucumber, or other natural ingredients to burns.
Make sure you use a burn ointment that is appropriate for the condition of the burn, so that the wound can heal quickly. If the burn does not improve or it gets worse, consult a doctor immediately.