best cream for burn - #18322
I am really worried about my sister, she had an accident while cooking last week and burned her arm pretty bad. The doctor gave her some ointment but we’re wondering what is the best cream for burn healing? Like, she’s been really uncomfortable with it, and it’s swollen, kinda red too. The doctor said it’s a second-degree burn and we’re trying to figure out if we should look for something else. It looks like it’s healing but, man, I just want her to feel better ASAP! I’ve seen a ton of recommendations online about what the best cream for burn care is, but it’s so overwhelming. Some say aloe vera is the best, while others rave about silver sulfadiazine. What do you docs think? Is there an actual best cream for burn treatment or is it just about personal preference? And can she use it over the ointment the doctor prescribed or should we wait till she finishes that? Like, we really want to avoid any additional complications! Any advice would be super appreciated because she’s getting a little anxious about her arm and how it looks. Thanks!!!
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Doctors' responses
Managing a second-degree burn effectively begins with following the treatment plan your sister’s doctor has already prescribed. The ointment she received likely contains ingredients that support healing and protect against infection, which is crucial at this stage. Silver sulfadiazine is a common choice for its antimicrobial properties, but it can slow down wound healing if used longer than necessary – so it’s important to adhere to her doctor’s instructions about duration and application. Aloe vera is generally soothing and might help with skin hydration, but its effectiveness on deep burns can be limited compared to medically prescribed creams. Adding it into the regimen without consulting her doctor may not be advisable. With burns, it’s crucial to avoid overlapping too many treatments without medical guidance, since incompatible substances could interfere with healing or cause irritation. If your sister is experiencing significant discomfort, swelling, or redness, contacting her healthcare provider is vital; these could be signs that the burn needs a reassessment or an adjustment to her care plan. It’s also important to emphasize keeping the burn clean and covered with a non-stick, sterile bandage, changing the dressing as recommended by her doctor, and avoiding any unproven home remedies that might contaminate the area. Monitoring for any worsening in symptoms, like increasing redness, pus, or fever, is critical, as these might suggest an infection requiring prompt medical intervention. Lastly, gentle reassurance is key. Burns can be distressing in appearance but have a good potential for recovery with the right care.
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