Dressings for burns: sterile, aseptic, contoured, gel, ointment dressings

To treat burn injuries of varying severity and localization, bandages are used. Let's consider their types, rules and methods of application, and therapeutic properties.

Damage to the skin and mucous membranes by chemicals, high or low temperatures, radiation energy or electricity is a burn. The specifics of this type of injury depend on the properties of the agent that caused it and the individual characteristics of the patient's body (type of skin structure, age, extent of damage). The main types of burns are:

• Thermal – occur due to contact with boiling water, hot air or steam, hot objects. The depth of damage depends on the duration of the agent’s action.
• Electrical – most often occur when working with electrical equipment or due to lightning strikes. Skin injuries are accompanied by disorders of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Even a small wound causes headaches, dizziness, loss of consciousness. The last stages provoke respiratory arrest, clinical death.
• Radiation - damage caused by ultraviolet radiation. Occurs due to prolonged exposure to the sun.
• Chemical – develops upon contact with chemically aggressive substances. The severity and depth of the injury depend on the concentration and time of exposure of the reagent to living tissue.

Bandages are applied to all types of burns. They use special healing ointments, antiseptics, disinfectant solutions and other preparations that speed up the healing process.

Algorithm for applying dressings for burns and frostbite

A burn is an injury that no one is immune from. The effectiveness of recovery depends on correct and timely treatment. In order to help the victim, it is necessary to know the algorithm for applying bandages. In case of burns and frostbite, it is worth considering the localization and extent of the lesion.

• First of all, it is necessary to ensure sterility. If there is no bandage at hand and a piece of fabric is used, it must be clean, as there is a risk of infection. The bandage can be applied independently for 1-2 degree burns, that is, with redness and blisters on the skin.
• For more serious injuries of 3-4 degrees, when muscle tissue is visible, bandages are not recommended, emergency medical care is needed. Since the bandage can stick to the tissue, and changing it will cause severe pain and increase the risk of infection.
• The bandage is applied after the frostbitten or burnt area has been cleaned of dirt and treated with a special antibacterial or antiseptic ointment. Wound treatment promotes normal tissue recovery and reduces pain.

Before applying a bandage to the wound area, it is necessary to restore normal blood circulation. In case of frostbite, it is recommended to rub and warm the skin, and in case of a burn, stop the effect of temperature and cool the injury site. After this, relieve pain and prevent infection.

Let's look at the basic rules for applying a bandage:

1. Wash your hands thoroughly and prepare sterile materials (bandage, piece of cloth, gauze) for the dressing. Using dirty dressing materials is dangerous, as it can cause an infectious infection of the wound.
2. Carefully examine the burnt area, it is necessary to determine the degree of the burn. Only after this can you decide on self-administering first aid or going to the hospital. Do not forget that a burn wound, regardless of its size and location, is very serious, and without proper treatment can lead to serious complications.
3. If there is any anti-burn, antiseptic or pain-relieving ointment, it should be applied to the skin before applying the bandage. This will reduce pain and help to recover faster from the injury, providing protection from microbes.
4. Gently bandage the injured area, trying not to cause pain to the victim.

The main difficulty encountered when applying bandages is determining the degree of the burn. If the epidermis is red and there are blisters on it, then this indicates 1-2 degrees. More serious wounds require medical attention. If the injury is serious and the skin has turned black, then amputation of the damaged limbs is possible without emergency hospitalization.

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Antiseptic dressings for burns

The effectiveness of burn treatment depends not only on timely medical care, but also on the drugs used. Antiseptic dressings for burns are necessary to prevent infection and destroy putrefactive bacteria. The drug has a disinfectant, bacteriostatic, bactericidal and antiputrefactive effect.

Today, the pharmaceutical market offers a variety of antiseptics in various forms that can be used for dressings and wound treatment. Their use is explained by the fact that even if the conditions of complete sterility are met, a small number of bacteria enter the wound. For periodic treatment of small burns, preparations based on iodine or silver, but without alcohol, are best suited.

Let's look at the most effective antiseptics for treating burns of varying severity:

• Argacol is a hydrogel with active components: poviargol, catapol, dioxidine. It has an antimicrobial effect. It is used to treat burns, cuts, abrasions and other skin damage. After application to the skin, it forms an elastic air- and water-permeable film.
• Amprovizol is a combination product with anesthesin, vitamin D, menthol and propolis. It has anti-burn, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, cooling and analgesic properties. It is effective in the treatment of first-degree thermal and sunburns.
• Acerbin is an antiseptic for external use. It is available in the form of a spray, which makes it easier to apply to wounds. Active ingredients: benzoic, malic acid and salicylic acid, propylene glycol. The spray is used to treat burns, ulcers and open wounds on the skin. Accelerates regeneration, reduces the formation of exudate, promotes crust formation.
• Betadine is a medicine with a wide range of applications. It has several forms of release: ointment, solution, suppositories. The active substance is iodine. It has bactericidal properties, and its mechanism of action is based on the destruction of proteins and enzymes of harmful microorganisms. It is used for antiseptic treatment of burn surfaces and wounds, disinfection. It can be used as a means for primary treatment of skin and mucous membranes from infected materials.
• Miramistin is a drug with a hydrophobic effect on harmful microorganisms. It is active against gram-positive and gram-negative microorganisms, has an antifungal effect. It is used to treat burns, wounds, trophic ulcers, suppurations, frostbite and other infected lesions. Miramistin is used in dermatology, gynecology, venereology, dentistry.
• Tsigerol is an antiseptic solution with disinfectant and wound-healing properties. It is used to treat burns, necrotic and granulating wounds, trophic ulcers.
• Chlorhexidine is a local antiseptic solution with bactericidal properties. Its mechanism of action is based on changing the cell membranes of harmful microorganisms. It is used to treat skin with burns, deep wounds, abrasions, and also during surgical intervention.

All the above preparations are suitable for treating damaged skin. Before applying the bandage, the wound can be treated with medicine or a bandage soaked in the preparation can be applied to the skin. There are also ready-made anti-burn antiseptic bandages:

• VitaVallis is used to treat 1-4 degree burns, thermal and granulating wounds, in the postoperative period and to protect transplanted skin from secondary infection. Accelerates the regeneration process at the cellular level, minimizes scarring. It is a good pain reliever. The dressing material is made of antimicrobial sorption fiber with colloidal silver and aluminum particles, intended for single use.
• Aktivtex - special textile wipes impregnated with medicinal substances (antiseptics, anesthetics, antioxidants, hemostatics). For burns with a pronounced inflammatory process, dressings with an antiseptic (miramistin) and anesthetic (chlorhexidine, lidocaine, furagin) are suitable.
• Voskopran is a dressing material in the form of a polyamide mesh, which is impregnated with an antiseptic and beeswax. It does not stick to the wound area, ensures the outflow of exudate, accelerates healing and minimizes the formation of scars.
• Biodespol is a medicinal coating with an antiseptic (chlorhexidine, miramistin) and an anesthetic (lidocaine). Cleans the wound from thin scab and fibrin, activates epithelialization.

To care for a burn wound, you can treat the tissue with chlorhexidine, then any antiseptic spray, apply a bandage (VitaValis, Branolid) and an ointment containing silver. It is in this sequence that the preparations are applied to the burn under a sterile bandage.

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How often should you change dressings for burns?

The leading place in the treatment of burns is occupied by dressings, the action of which is aimed at restoring the integrity of the skin and protecting against infection. Before their application, the wound areas are treated with special antiseptic solutions and other disinfecting and anti-inflammatory drugs.

How often to change dressings for burns depends on the area and depth of the lesion. As a rule, dressings are changed 1-2 times a day. If possible, it is better to leave the wound open (provided there is no infection) so that a crust can form. Most often, dressings are applied not only to the burn surface, but also to surrounding healthy tissues to protect them from injury.

Sterile dressings for 2nd degree burns

The leader among household injuries are 2nd degree thermal burns. The main signs of damage are: swelling and redness of the skin, soreness, the appearance of large blisters with liquid. Such wounds are especially dangerous, since if they are treated incorrectly, there is a risk of inflammation. As a result, post-burn recovery is delayed for a couple of months instead of 2-3 weeks.

It is strictly forbidden to touch the burn with your hands or open the blisters. If any contamination gets on the skin, you should consult a doctor who will clean the wound and carry out prevention of microbial infection. If a small area of skin is affected, treatment can be carried out at home. Therapy consists of:

• Daily dressing changes.
• Treatment of the wound surface with antiseptic agents.
• Treating the wound with a special anti-burn ointment.

Sterile dressings for 2nd degree burns must be applied with medical gloves. If the burn begins to fester, then treatment of the wound with antiseptic solutions and ointments is indicated. For healing, preparations that accelerate tissue regeneration are used: ointments with levomycetin, vitamin E, sea buckthorn oil and other substances.

The most commonly used means are:

• Panthenol is a drug with the active ingredient dexpanthenol. It is used to accelerate the healing of the skin and mucous membranes in case of damage of various genesis. It is effective in case of burns, aseptic wounds in the postoperative period, as well as in case of skin grafts. It has several forms of release, which facilitates its application to damaged areas.
• Dermazin is a sulfadiazine derivative of silver with a broad spectrum of antimicrobial action. It is used to treat burn injuries of varying localization and severity. It is an excellent preventative measure against infection of wound surfaces. It helps with trophic ulcers and other injuries.
• Syntomycin emulsion is an antibacterial agent similar in its action to levomycetin. It affects the protein metabolism of pathogenic bacteria, destroying them. It accelerates the process of regeneration of damaged tissues at the cellular level, minimizes the formation of scars.
• Olazol is an aerosol with sea buckthorn oil, chloramphenicol, boric acid and anesthesin. It relieves pain and has an antibacterial effect, reduces exudation, accelerates the process of epithelialization. It is used for burns, wounds, trophic ulcers, inflammatory lesions of the epidermis.
• Solcoseryl is a biogenic stimulant, the action of which is aimed at destroying harmful microorganisms and restoring damaged tissues. Effective for 2-3 degree burns.

Medicines should be applied to the wound area before applying a bandage. For faster healing, it is advisable to perform the procedure 2 times a day.

Ointment dressings for burns

To relieve pain, speed up the process of epithelialization and skin restoration, ointment dressings are used. For burns, the following medications are most often used:

• Levomekol

A medicine with a combined composition. Contains an immunostimulant (methyluracil) and an antibiotic (chloramphenicol). It is active against most harmful microorganisms, while the presence of pus does not reduce the effect of the antibiotic. Improves the process of tissue regeneration, has an anti-inflammatory effect, reduces the formation of exudate. It is used for 2-3 degree burns, purulent-inflammatory wounds, boils. The ointment is applied to sterile napkins and loosely filled with them wounds. The dressing is carried out every day until the skin is completely cleansed. The main contraindication is intolerance to the active components. Side effects are manifested in the form of allergic reactions.

• Ebermin

An external agent with bactericidal properties, stimulates wound healing. Contains silver sulfadiazine, i.e. a substance that causes the death of harmful microorganisms. It is used to treat deep and superficial burns of varying severity and localization. The ointment normalizes the growth of collagen fibers, prevents pathological scarring of tissues. The agent is applied to the skin in a layer of 1-2 mm, and a bandage or other dressing material with a mesh structure is applied on top. Dressings are carried out 1-2 times in 48 hours, the course of treatment is from 10 to 20 days. Side effects are manifested in the form of local allergic reactions.

• Argosulfan

A medicinal product with antimicrobial and wound-healing properties. It has a pronounced analgesic effect, reduces pain and the severity of the inflammatory process. The active substance is sulfathiazole. It is used for burns of varying severity and origin, frostbite, as well as trophic ulcers, cuts, infections. The ointment can be applied both under a sterile bandage and to open skin 1-3 times a day. Side effects manifest themselves as local allergic reactions. The drug is not recommended for patients with intolerance to its components, for children under 2 months and with congenital deficiency of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase.

• Eplan

A preparation for external use with pronounced wound-healing, bactericidal and regenerating properties. It has several forms of release: liniment in dropper bottles, cream and medical gauze ointment dressings. It is used for all types of burns, cuts, abrasions, allergic reactions and to prevent wound infection. The only contraindication is intolerance to the active components. The medicine is applied to the skin until the defect is completely healed.

• Rescuer-forte

A complex preparation with a synergistic effect. Softens, nourishes and accelerates tissue regeneration. Has an antibacterial, soothing, analgesic and detoxifying effect. After application to the skin, it forms a film that prevents damaged tissues from drying out. It is used for thermal and chemical burns, bruises, sprains, wounds, abrasions, diaper rash. Helps with secondary infection and acute inflammatory diseases of the skin and mucous membranes. Before applying the product, the skin must be washed with an antiseptic and dried. First, apply the ointment, and then a bandage on top as an insulating layer.

Wet dressings for burns

In case of thermal, chemical or radiation damage to the skin of mild or moderate severity, a closed method of treatment is recommended. Wet dressings for burns are necessary to protect the wound area from infection, minimize the inflammatory process, relieve pain and accelerate regeneration.

Before bandaging, the wound surface must be washed with an antiseptic solution or a bandage with Furacilin, Iodopyrine, Chlorhexidine or Miramistin must be applied to the wound. After this, dry the skin and apply the ointment. Bandages can be soaked in medicinal ointments and applied to the wound or the medicine can be applied directly to the injury. The procedure is carried out as the bandage dries, usually 2-3 times a day until complete healing.

Gel dressings for burns

To treat burn injuries of varying severity, medications of varying effectiveness are used. Gel dressings for burns are a special dressing material that includes an aqueous dispersion medium (formed from microheterogeneous colloidal solutions). Hydrogel is a porous material that swells strongly in water or an aqueous solution. Such dressings are impregnated with biologically active compounds, the action of which is aimed at disinfecting the wound and accelerating the epithelialization process.

Gel dressings have a number of advantages over ointments:

• The aqueous environment of the gel stimulates the penetration of antiseptic and anti-inflammatory components into the wound area. This accelerates the healing process and minimizes the risk of infection.
• The active substances contained in the gel base are gradually released from the carrier, providing a prolonged therapeutic effect. The polymer matrix of the gel controls the rate of release of medicinal components, which ensures their delivery to the areas that need them.

Let's look at popular gel-based burn dressings:

1. OpikUn – gel bandages and wipes for the treatment of wounds and burn injuries. They have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects. They accelerate the process of epithelialization, prevent the appearance of blisters (provided that the bandage was applied immediately after the burn), cool the wound and relieve pain. They do not stick to the wound surface, are breathable. The bandages are hypoallergenic and have a transparent base, which allows you to monitor the condition of the burn. They are recommended for use as first aid for burns of 1-3 degrees and to prevent purulent complications of wounds of any origin.
2. Apollo - dressings with hydrogel, anesthetic and painkiller. The mechanism of action of this dressing material promotes rapid cooling of the injury, minimizes pain, fights pathogenic microorganisms. Apollo has an anti-inflammatory effect, eliminates unpleasant odor from the wound. The dressings fit well to the wound surface and are easy to remove. They must be changed every 24-48 hours and can be combined with other dressings or medications.
3. Granuflex is a hydrocolloid dressing with silver. Effective in the treatment of 2nd degree burns. Absorbs wound exudate, forming a gel that provides a moist environment and promotes the removal of dead tissue from the wound. Silver ions have a bactericidal effect, reduce the risk of infection and are active against a wide range of harmful microorganisms.

But, despite all the useful properties, gel dressings have a number of contraindications. The dressing material is not used for wounds with abundant discharge, with purulent-necrotic lesions. Also, they are not suitable for patients with individual intolerance to their active components.

Dressings for burns Branolind

One of the most popular medicines used to treat epidermal damage of various etiologies is Branolind. The drug is a gauze bandage soaked in a medicinal ointment (Peruvian balsam). Most often, bandages are used for burns. Branolind is made of a mesh cotton base with high air and secretion permeability. One package contains 30 bandages, each of which has a protective wrapper.

The cotton base is impregnated with Peruvian balsam, Vaseline, hydrogenated fat and other substances. This composition has a complex therapeutic effect on damage, provides antibacterial, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory activity. Branolind accelerates the process of tissue regeneration and minimizes the risk of scarring.

• Indications for use: treatment and care of superficial wounds (thermal and chemical burns, abrasions, bruises), frostbite, purulent abscesses. The product is used in skin transplantation, phimosis operations and in the treatment of infected wounds.
• Directions for use: open the package with a bandage of the appropriate size (depending on the extent of damage), remove the protective paper layer and apply to the wound. After that, remove another protective layer and cover with a bandage. The bandage should be changed every 2-3 days or at each dressing change. Due to the ointment base, such a compress does not stick to the skin, which allows it to be removed painlessly.
• Contraindications: not used in case of intolerance to active components and for the treatment of injuries with a necrotic process. Branolind can cause local allergic reactions of varying severity. To eliminate them, it is necessary to stop using the product.

Dressings for burns of varying severity simplify the treatment process. They can be used with various antiseptic, anti-inflammatory or pain-relieving ointments and solutions. They protect the wound from infection and accelerate the process of damage regeneration.

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