What are the effects of burn ointment?
Nov 03, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Wenmin
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, burn ointment is an external medication used for the care of burn wounds, with functions including relieving wound pain, protecting wound tissue, preventing wound infection, promoting wound healing, and reducing scar formation. It is recommended to clean the wound before applying the burn ointment, then apply a thin layer of the ointment, avoiding excessive thickness.
Generally, burn ointment is an external medication used for the care of burn wounds, with functions including relieving wound pain, protecting wound tissue, preventing wound infection, promoting wound healing, and reducing scar formation. The specific details are as follows:
1. **Relieving wound pain**: The ingredients in burn ointment can directly act on nerve endings at the wound site, inhibiting the transmission of pain signals and thereby alleviating burning or stinging sensations caused by burns. Pain relief typically occurs shortly after application, especially noticeable in mild burns, helping to reduce patient discomfort.
2. **Protecting wound tissue**: After application, burn ointment forms a uniform protective film over the wound surface, shielding it from dust and bacteria in the air, as well as friction and irritation from clothing. This prevents secondary injury and reduces moisture evaporation from the wound.
3. **Preventing wound infection**: Burn ointments often contain antimicrobial ingredients that inhibit the growth and reproduction of common pathogenic bacteria on the wound surface, lowering the risk of infection. For wounds showing mild redness and swelling, the ointment can prevent worsening infections by suppressing bacterial proliferation.
4. **Promoting wound healing**: Active ingredients in burn ointment improve local blood circulation at the wound site, delivering sufficient nutrients and oxygen necessary for tissue repair. They also stimulate granulation tissue growth and epithelial cell regeneration, accelerating the healing process and shortening recovery time for minor burns.
5. **Reducing scar formation**: During the healing process, burn ointment helps regulate tissue repair, minimizing excessive collagen fiber proliferation. This promotes smoother wound healing and reduces the likelihood of scarring. It is particularly effective for superficial second-degree burns, significantly improving post-healing scar color and firmness.
Before applying burn ointment, it is recommended to clean the wound first and then apply a thin layer of the ointment—avoid applying too thickly. Keep the wound dry and clean in daily care, avoid scratching, and seek professional medical treatment promptly if the wound is large or shows signs of pus formation.
