What medicine is best to apply for burns?

Sep 18, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Wenmin
Introduction
Generally speaking, there is no single best medication for treating burns. The choice of treatment should be based on the depth of the wound and associated symptoms. Commonly used medications include moist burn ointment, silver sulfadiazine cream, recombinant human epidermal growth factor gel, Jingwanhong ointment, and mupirocin ointment. Prior to applying any medication, the wound should be properly cleaned. For mild burns, rinse the affected area with cool water for 15 to 20 minutes first.

Generally speaking, there is no single best medication for treating burns. The choice of treatment should be based on the depth of the wound and specific symptoms. Commonly used medications include Moist Burn Ointment, Silver Sulfadiazine Cream, Recombinant Human Epidermal Growth Factor Gel, Jingwanhong Ointment, and Mupirocin Ointment. If any abnormalities occur, prompt medical attention is recommended. Detailed analysis is as follows:

1. **Moist Burn Ointment**: This ointment has effects of clearing heat, detoxifying, relieving pain, and promoting tissue regeneration. It is suitable for minor burns and scalds, helping to maintain a moist wound environment and promote epithelial tissue repair. Apply 3–4 times daily with a thickness of about 1 mm, ensuring complete coverage of the wound.

2. **Silver Sulfadiazine Cream**: A sulfonamide-class antimicrobial agent that helps prevent and treat wound infections. It is suitable for second-degree and third-degree burns and scalds. Apply once daily, adjusting frequency based on wound exudate. Avoid use in individuals allergic to sulfonamide drugs.

3. **Recombinant Human Epidermal Growth Factor Gel**: Promotes tissue repair and regeneration of skin wounds. Suitable for healing superficial second-degree burn wounds. Apply once daily after thoroughly cleaning the wound and ensuring it is dry before application.

4. **Jingwanhong Ointment**: Has functions of promoting blood circulation, detoxifying, reducing swelling and pain, removing necrotic tissue, and stimulating new tissue growth. Appropriate for mild thermal or flame burns. Apply 1–2 times daily after cleaning the wound. Avoid use on broken skin showing signs of infection.

5. **Mupirocin Ointment**: A topical antibiotic used when burn wounds are complicated by bacterial infection. It inhibits bacterial growth. Apply three times daily for a course of 5–10 days. Long-term or large-area use is not recommended.

Prior to medication, proper wound care is essential. For minor burns, rinse the area under cool water for 15–20 minutes. Seek immediate medical attention if the burn covers a large area, blisters develop, or signs of infection such as pus or fever appear. During treatment, keep the wound clean and dry, avoid friction and contamination, and regularly monitor wound healing progress.