Burns are common accidents, especially at home, and can leave serious scars if not treated properly.
According to data from the Ministry of Health, approximately one million burns occur annually in Brazil. Between 2015 and 2020, they caused almost 20,000 deaths in the country—more than half from thermal burns (53.3%) and 46.1% from electrical burns. Therefore, it is essential to know how to act in the first moments after the accident.
What to do in case of burns:
- Cool the area immediately with cold running water (never ice cold) for at least 10 minutes;
- Remove accessories such as rings, bracelets, watches, and clothing around the burned area before the area swells.
- Cover the area with a clean cloth or gauze, without pressing down;
- Seek medical attention in cases of extensive, deep burns located on the face, hands, feet, genitals, joints, or in children and the elderly.
What NOT to do:
- Do not use toothpaste, butter, egg white, coffee, coffee grounds, oil, or any homemade remedies—these popular methods can worsen the injury.
- Do not pop bubbles;
- Do not apply ice directly to the burn (it may cause additional injury);
- Do not use cotton directly on the wound (it may stick and make cleaning difficult).
Treatment with ointments: which ones are most commonly used?
Medications in the form of ointments are often recommended for treating burns. Among the main active ingredients, the following stand out:
- Dexpanthenol
- What it is used for: skin healing, minor burns, cracks, wounds, and irritations.
- How it works: converted into pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), it stimulates cell regeneration, improves hydration, and accelerates healing.
- Neomycin sulfate + zinc bacitracin
- What it is used for: treats bacterial skin infections, such as cuts, scrapes, minor burns, and infected wounds.
- How it works: Neomycin blocks the production of bacterial proteins; bacitracin interferes with the formation of the bacterial cell wall. Together, they broaden the spectrum of action against bacteria.
- Silver sulfadiazine
- What it is used for: used on second- and third-degree burns to prevent and treat infections.
- How it works: sulfadiazine inhibits bacterial growth; silver releases ions with bactericidal action.
- Clostebol acetate + neomycin sulfate
- What it is used for: indicated for infected skin lesions, ulcers, dermatitis, eczema, and wounds.
- How it works: clostebol stimulates skin regeneration; neomycin fights local infections. The formula offers healing and antibiotic action.
- Sodium sulfacetamide + trolamine
- What it is used for: treatment of skin infections or inflammations.
- How it works: sulfacetamide acts as a sulfa antibiotic, and trolamine soothes irritation and moisturizes the skin.
Please note: even commonly used ointments should only be applied under medical supervision, especially for moderate or severe burns.
Prevention is the best approach
A few simple steps can help:
- Keep children away from the kitchen and hot liquids or objects;
- Use sunscreen to prevent sunburn;
- Be careful when handling alcohol, electronics, and appliances;
- Invest in home safety items such as stove guards and outlet covers.
Information and care are the best ways to prevent accidents and ensure a safe recovery.
image credit: freepik