Burn cream is a common over-the-counter topical medication designed to offer relief and support the healing process for minor skin injuries caused by heat, chemicals, or electricity. Its primary purpose involves soothing discomfort, protecting the affected area from external contaminants, and aiding in the skin’s natural recovery. These creams are widely accessible in pharmacies and general stores, making them a readily available component of many first-aid kits for immediate burn care. They work by creating an optimal environment for skin renewal and help manage symptoms like dryness, peeling, and pain that can occur during healing.
Common Types and Their Mechanisms
Over-the-counter burn creams feature various active ingredients, each contributing to different aspects of burn care.
Antiseptic and Antibiotic Creams
These creams often contain compounds like bacitracin, neomycin, and polymyxin B. These ingredients work by inhibiting the growth of bacteria, thereby preventing infection in minor cuts, scrapes, and burns. They target a broad spectrum of bacteria by disrupting their cellular processes, limiting their ability to multiply.
Analgesic or Anesthetic Creams
These creams aim to reduce pain and discomfort associated with burns. Common active ingredients include lidocaine and benzocaine, which function as local anesthetics. Lidocaine works by blocking nerve signals in the skin, creating a numbing sensation that temporarily alleviates pain. Benzocaine operates similarly by temporarily blocking nerve signals, providing relief from pain and itching. Lidocaine typically offers a longer duration of pain relief compared to benzocaine.
Moisturizing and Protective Creams
These creams focus on hydrating the damaged skin and forming a barrier against further irritation. Ingredients such as aloe vera, vitamin E, petroleum jelly, and colloidal oatmeal are frequently used for their soothing properties. Aloe vera, for example, is known for its ability to soothe painful first-degree burns and moisturize the skin, potentially aiding in healing. Petroleum jelly creates a protective barrier, which can help prevent dressings from sticking to the wound and maintain moisture. Hydrocortisone creams, a mild topical steroid, are sometimes included for their ability to reduce inflammation, redness, and itching, though their use on burns should be limited to specific types of minor irritations.
Appropriate Use and When to Seek Medical Care
Burn creams are generally suitable for minor burns, specifically first-degree burns and small second-degree burns that do not involve blistering or broken skin. First-degree burns affect only the outermost layer of skin, causing redness, pain, and mild swelling. Small second-degree burns extend to the second layer of skin, often presenting with redness and pain, but should only be treated at home if they are minor and without large blisters.
However, immediate medical attention is necessary for many situations. These include second-degree burns with large blisters, broken skin, or those covering a significant body area. Third-degree burns, which damage all layers of skin and potentially underlying tissues, appear white, blackened, or leathery, and often result in numbness due to nerve damage, always require professional medical intervention. Burns on sensitive areas such as the face, hands, feet, genitals, or over major joints also warrant immediate medical assessment.
Additionally, chemical burns, electrical burns, or burns caused by fire should always be evaluated by a healthcare provider. Special consideration is needed for burns in infants, young children, or the elderly, as their thinner skin increases the risk of complications. Signs of infection, such as increased pain, worsening redness or swelling, pus, oozing, fever, or red streaks extending from the burn, indicate a need for medical attention. If unsure about the burn’s severity, it is always recommended to seek professional medical advice.
Application Guidelines and Storage
Before applying burn cream, it is important to cool the affected area under cool, running water for at least 10 to 20 minutes. After cooling, gently clean the burn with mild soap and water, then pat it dry. A thin, even layer of the chosen burn cream should be applied to the burn. For minor burns, covering the area with a sterile, non-stick gauze or bandage can protect it from rubbing and contamination, and should be changed daily.
Always follow the specific instructions provided on the product’s packaging, as formulations can vary. It is important to wash hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after applying the cream to prevent the introduction of bacteria. Unless explicitly stated on the product label, burn creams should not be applied to open wounds or broken skin. Performing a patch test on a small, unaffected skin area for 7 to 10 days before widespread use can help identify potential allergic reactions, such as redness, itching, or rash.
Proper storage is important to maintain the cream’s effectiveness and safety. Burn creams should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, and out of reach of children. Always check the expiration date on the packaging and discard any expired products, as their active ingredients may degrade over time and lose potency.