Everyone knows how important it is to timely and correctly provide assistance to a person if any injury occurs. Just imagine, statistics claim that every year 0.5% of Russians get burns of varying severity! An improperly selected medication can greatly harm the victim. Our article will discuss whether zinc ointment is effective for burns. Does the drug help relieve pain and quick healing, and if so, due to what properties? Let's try to study the composition of the drug and the features of its use.
Description of the drug
Before you begin to explain how zinc ointment works for burns, I want to introduce readers to the general description of liniment.
So, zinc ointment is a universal, affordable drug produced by domestic pharmacological enterprises. It is intended solely for external treatment of the damaged layer of the epidermis. This ointment can effectively cope even with such a complex problem as acne.
The drug is subject to other tasks (treatment of dermatitis, trophic ulcers and pressure sores), zinc ointment is also used after burns, because due to its composition it has a valuable ability to regenerate skin cells.
Structure
Zinc ointment is characterized by excellent healing qualities, and all thanks to the main substance on which it is based. This magic component is zinc oxide. It is he who contributes to the rapid regeneration of tissue structures, activates the healing of the upper layers of the skin and serves as a prevention of infectious inflammation.
Additional components included in the zinc ointment are selected in such a way as to maximize the healing properties of the drug. So, in addition to zinc oxide, the following components are present in the ointment:
- petroleum jelly;
- mineral extracts;
- menthol;
- dimethicone;
- fish fat.
Therapeutic properties of ointment
Is it possible to smear burns with zinc ointment? The answer to this question will be in the affirmative. To understand why, we offer readers to get acquainted with its main healing properties. They can be divided into 4 parts:
- Wound healing effect. Thanks to him, the epithelial cells are restored with amazing speed.
- The action is anti-inflammatory. Puffiness is removed, pain is stopped and this works regardless of what exactly caused the pathological process.
- Reflection of ultraviolet rays. Due to this property, zinc ointment is used even in cosmetology.
- The drying effect and normalization of the functions of the sebaceous glands.
Thanks to the above, our domestic liniment with zinc oxide represents the best alternative to the most expensive imported pharmaceutical products.
Release Forms
An external medicine containing zinc oxide is supplied to drug stores in two forms: ointment and paste. What is the difference between the latter and the first? The paste has a thicker and greasy consistency and is prescribed in cases where it is necessary to achieve the maximum therapeutic effect and at the same time minimize the ingress of active components into the main bloodstream.
The paste is packaged in dark glass jars of 25, 40 and 50 gr. The ointment is available in familiar aluminum tubes of 30 g. When buying, you should pay attention to the concentration of the active substance in the drug. The concentration of zinc oxide in the paste reaches 25 percent, in the ointment is much less - no more than 10. What to choose - paste or ointment, it is best to ask the doctor.
The effect of zinc ointment for burns
Healing ointment with zinc oxide effectively affects the healing of the skin with burns of 1 degree. The fact is that this substance carries a powerful antiseptic charge. In addition, zinc oxide also acts as an absorbent, drawing pathogenic microorganisms from the wound along with inflammatory exudate.
Thanks to the described processes, the focus of inflammation is eliminated, microbes are deprived of the nutrient medium, which is so necessary for their life and unhindered reproduction.
pharmachologic effect
Now we will try to describe in detail how zinc ointment works for burns after it has been applied to the damaged area. And the following happens:
- As soon as zinc oxide enters the epidermal layer, in the latter biochemical processes begin to slow down.
- In damaged structures, the secretion of those chemical compounds that produce and accumulate exudate in tissues is actively stopped. At the same time, the expansion of small vessels and capillaries is suppressed, which prevents the development of puffiness.
- A protective film is formed on the surface of the skin due to the reaction of zinc oxide with proteins. This prevents the uncontrolled growth of colonies of harmful microorganisms and the development of infection.
The benefit of the zinc liniment is manifested only with burns belonging to the 1st degree of damage. It is at this stage that the characteristic redness of the upper layer of the skin, swelling and a burning sensation are manifested. If there is a more severe skin lesion in which there is already the formation of vesicles, blisters, etc., then treatment should be carried out under the supervision of doctors and possibly even in a hospital.
Zinc ointment for burns - instructions for use
It is important to use the drug correctly! To do this, clearly follow the instructions. Zinc ointment for burns with boiling water is very carefully and carefully applied to damaged areas 2-3 times a day. There are times when the number of procedures for processing problem areas must be increased up to six times a day. But this must be obtained permission of the doctor.
The total duration of treatment will directly depend on the degree of damage and the size of the area exposed to the burn. The larger the painful area, the more time it takes to heal. It usually takes 5 to 20 days to fully recover the tissue.
Removing ointment residues
Tar soap is well suited for this purpose, but conventional detergents are not recommended, because they can cause additional irritation to skin that has recently received a thermal burn. Soap with glycerin is suitable for hygienic treatment of dry and flaky skin.
Sunburn application
The instruction suggests using zinc ointment not for the treatment of sunburns, but primarily for their prevention. Zinc oxide is able to protect the skin from ultraviolet rays. So, before you go to the beach, it makes sense to resort to applying a thin layer of zinc liniment to the body.
The foregoing does not mean that you can not use the ointment if the burn is already received. Zinc ointment from sunburn helps as effectively as from all others. It’s just that usually skin lesions resulting from prolonged exposure to the sun are characterized by a large area of the lesion and severe pain.
In this case, zinc ointment alone is not enough. You may also have to take some antipyretic and painkiller (Ibuprofen, Paracetamol, etc.). If it is possible to purchase an external remedy specifically designed for the treatment of sunburn, it is better to do this.
Use for chemical burns
In these cases, it is allowed to use zinc ointment if only the size of the lesion is small, and it is necessary after careful removal of the chemical reagent (kerosene, phosphorus, bitumen, gasoline, etc.) from the skin surface.
For chemical burns, it is recommended that you consult a traumatologist or dermatologist for immediate assistance, which is usually complex.
Side effects
Zinc liniment has many advantages, among which is the fact that the tool is well tolerated by the vast majority of patients and its use does not bring them any additional pain. But in very rare cases, the manifestation of some allergic reactions (in people prone to such) is possible. It could be:
- rash;
- slight itching;
- redness of the area with treated ointment;
- burning.
Is it possible to smear burns with zinc ointment if any of the above appears in the places where the product was applied? In the event of an allergy to the drug, it is necessary to abandon its further use and replace it with an agent similar to it in pharmacological action.
Analogs
In pharmacies, you can find good and complete substitutes for zinc ointment. Here is a list of analogues:
- "Panthenol" ("Bepanten") - a tool that has proven itself in the treatment of burns.
- Tsindol. This drug is not available in the form of an ointment, but in the form of a suspension, but zinc oxide is also the main active substance in it.
- Desitin is an excellent combination drug that is often recommended for treating children.
In the event that the zinc ointment was prescribed by a doctor, then he must also choose a replacement. Otherwise, treatment may be ineffective.
special instructions
Reading the instructions for various medications, you will notice that many of them establish a ban on the use of drugs during pregnancy and lactation. Zinc ointment is a happy exception to this rule. Future mothers and women who breastfeed their babies can, if necessary, use the drug we are talking about.
Now we will answer the important question: "Can zinc ointment for burns be applied to the skin of children?" For young children (up to 5 years) it is safer and more useful to use special external means, and the appointment must be given by a pediatrician. Zinc ointment is allowed for use by children, starting from 5 years. Before reaching the age of twelve, zinc ointment therapy should be carried out only under the supervision of a physician.
Another small indication: in the treatment of facial burns, ointment should be applied only to previously cleaned skin.
Storage conditions
Zinc ointment preserves its healing properties for a long time (up to 4 years), but only if stored correctly. It is recommended to do this at a temperature of 15 to 25 degrees, while the refrigerator is not suitable for storing liniment, because low temperatures adversely affect zinc oxide.
Reviews about the drug
Does zinc ointment work well from burns? Reviews of doctors and their patients are mostly positive. This drug was also used by our grandmothers, so we can consider it a tool whose benefit and effectiveness has been proven by generations of consumers.
Many have zinc ointment in their home medicine cabinet, so to speak, pro-stock. People like that this medication can help with a number of problems and is sold in pharmacies without a prescription. Zinc ointment saves not only from burns, but also from acne, skin irritations, cold sores, spilling out on the lips, and from many other troubles.
But of course this is not a panacea. And there are dissatisfied reviews. Most often from those who used the drug for other purposes or in violation of the instructions.
Conclusion
It's time to take stock. So, we found out: zinc ointment helps with burns, but only if they are not strong. For burns 2 and 3 degrees, this tool is not intended. Well, and best of all, always be careful and avoid accidents, then the ointment is not needed. Be healthy, take care!