How to quickly restore skin after a burn

Skin restoration after a burn depends not only on the severity, but also on how urgent and competent actions were taken in the first minutes after the incident. Thus, incorrect actions immediately after a burn can either increase the area and depth of the injury, or even lead to the death of the victim.

Due to the fact that the depth and area of ​​damage, and, consequently, the speed and quality of recovery very much depends on the severity of the burn, we will next consider the process of skin regeneration with this in mind.

Skin restoration for first degree burns

The first degree of burn severity is the mildest. This includes all sunburns, some thermal burns (boiling water, iron, frying pan, etc.), when either the temperature was not very high or the duration of exposure was short. In this case, only the superficial layer of human skin suffers and it turns red.

Skin restoration at this level occurs within 3-4 days due to the renewal of skin cells. For additional help to the skin, you can use various creams and ointments that promote skin regeneration - Panthenol, Rescuer, Levomekol, Liniment Aloe, Solcoseryl and others, as well as take vitamin complexes containing vitamins A, B, C, P.

Skin restoration for second degree burns

The second degree of burn is characterized by more serious damage to the skin, when the dermis is also damaged in the upper layer. In addition, the top layer may come off, forming blisters, and clear liquid accumulates underneath it. Skin restoration in this case, with a favorable course, occurs within 3 weeks, and if the blisters break open and infection occurs, then the duration of treatment can last up to a month or more

In this case, recovery can be divided into several phases:

1. the top layer of skin moves away from the dermis to form a blister, and fluid accumulates underneath it;
2. the fluid in the bladder resolves, the upper skin of the bladder becomes rough and torn, new skin forms below;
3. healing of the burn site occurs.

To help the skin recover, the same creams and ointments are used as for the first degree of severity - Panthenol, Rescuer, Levomekol, Liniment Aloe, Solcoseryl and others, as well as vitamins A, B, C, P, which promote skin regeneration. In addition, the doctor can prescribe drugs for skin regeneration in tablets, for example, Derinat.

However, if you suddenly accidentally open a blister (either yourself or accidentally catch it on something), then to avoid the development of bacteria in this place, you need to lubricate the wound with antibiotic ointment. In both cases, after applying the ointment to the skin, you must bandage your hand with a clean bandage.

Skin restoration for third degree burns

The third degree of burn is characterized by either a large (up to 20% of the skin) area of ​​damage, or a fairly deep damage to the skin. In this case, the burn affects the epidermis, dermis and even subcutaneous fat. Skin restoration in such cases can last 3 or more months and consists of the following phases:

1. cell death;
2. rejection of old skin;
3. restoration of new cells.

Treatment of such burns occurs mainly in a hospital under the supervision of doctors. During treatment, ointments with antibiotics are used to prevent inflammation in the wound, ointments and creams to accelerate skin regeneration, allowing to speed up the process of its restoration - Panthenol, Spasatel, Levomekol, Liniment Aloe, Solcoseryl and others, vitamin complexes, antibiotics in tablets, if necessary, painkillers .

Getting rid of scars after burns

Due to deep damage to the skin in burns of the third and fourth degrees of severity, normal skin in these places is replaced by connective (scar) tissue, which leads to an unsightly appearance of the burn site. And if the scar is in a visible place (face, head or hands), it causes inconvenience to the victim. Skin restoration in such cases is not solved in any one specific way due to the wide variety of types of scars, which is due to:

1. various types of scars, which can be keloid, atrophic, hypertrophic and normotrophic;
2. different height and depth compared to the level of healthy skin;
3. in various colors different from the usual skin color;
4. shape, area, lifespan;
5. place of appearance and influence on the functions of nearby organs (not closing the mouth, eversion of the eyelid, etc.).

Despite the naturalness of the recovery process, outside help is necessary, otherwise even the most harmless, at first glance, burn can turn into a big problem. In addition, the result of a prolonged burn is scars, which in large quantities and on open areas of the body not only do not paint, they disfigure the human body. Therefore, damage to the epidermis from the very beginning must be taken under strict control, trying to do everything so that the recovery is not just quick, but as correct and comprehensive as possible, eliminating unpleasant consequences.

Skin restoration in areas with scars occurs in several stages: in the first stage, ointments are used to prevent the appearance of scars. Further, depending on the size of the scars, either cosmetic procedures are used (for small scars), or sequential surgical intervention followed by cosmetic procedures.

By the way, one of the most common burn scars is a keloid scar (scar) that protrudes from the base of the skin. Such a scar is not just a cosmetic defect; in addition to worrying about your appearance, it also causes physical discomfort, accompanied by burning and itching. If the localization of the lesion is significant in size, it will have to be treated surgically. This process is not pleasant, it lasts for more than one week: first, the scar is removed by excision, a cosmetic suture is applied, and after the sutures are removed, a new scar remains on the skin. To prevent the affected tissue from growing, it is necessary to treat the operated area with special medications.

There are other ways to deal with scars covering the skin, depending on the complexity of the situation:

1. Laser skin resurfacing at the burn site - this method is used in the most serious cases;
2. If the situation allows, chemical peeling is used, which is based on fruit acids.

What is the danger?

Often, blisters form at the burn site with a clear liquid inside, called plasma, oozing through the damaged skin. If you do not treat the affected area, the inflammatory process will intensify and suppuration will begin. With an irresponsible attitude, infection is not far off, which is accompanied by high fever, weakness and chills. As a consequence of such an unfavorable development of events, at best, this is the formation of scars that spoil the skin, and at worst, blood poisoning.

Thus, even a small burn can lead to big trouble; troubles will follow each other in a string, and everything can end in serious complications, including amputation of limbs or a more irreparable consequence - death. With proper care, all this can be avoided - soon after the burn, new skin will grow under the blister, and after a couple of weeks the damaged epidermis will dry out and begin to separate. After removing dead cells, traces of a light pink color will remain on the surface of the body. Young skin is extremely sensitive and delicate; it requires special, delicate care, but if handled correctly, soon there will be no trace of the burn.

Degrees of burns and restoration of the dermis after them: creams and ointments

Burns belong to the category of injuries that occur under the influence of an external factor. Destruction of the integrity of the dermis can occur as a result of contact with chemicals and fumes, electric current, exposure to radioactive radiation, or as a result of thermal effects on areas of the skin. They are classified depending on the severity of the destruction of the skin by degrees, according to which the desired type of treatment and medications are prescribed.

1. Thermal burns occur when careless handling of open fire, steam, hot objects and liquids, which destroy the skin upon close contact.
2. Electrical burns are caused by exposure to electrical current or electrical discharge, including lightning.
3. A chemical burn can be caused by synthetic substances with increased toxicity or other aggressive effects that are used in production and at home.
4. Radioactive burns occur due to exposure to ultraviolet radiation on exposed skin as a result of contact with devices or objects emitting background radiation.

The most popular medicinal substances for restoring areas of the dermis affected by burns are complex preparations made in the format of gels, ointments and creams. Depending on the degree and type of injury, they are divided into antiseptics, analgesics, anti-inflammatory and wound healing.

1st degree

Skin erythema with 1st degree burns without serious destruction of the stratum corneum recovers on its own in 3-4 days, provided there is no destruction of the dermis and a small scale of injury. In case of serious scale of the burn and deterioration of the person’s condition due to dehydration and thermoregulation, treatment is prescribed in which the majority of the healing substances are ointments prepared on the basis of aloe, vitamin supplements and preparations made in gel format. For the treatment of 1st degree burn injury, the following is used:

Some of the drugs have side effects in the form of itching and allergic reactions, since the medicinal substance that is present in it eliminates not only pain syndromes, but also localizes inflammatory processes, promotes rapid healing of wounds and regeneration of damaged areas.

2nd degree

With 2nd degree burns, the damage to the dermis is more significant than in the first case: in addition to swelling and hyperemia, there is detachment in the form of blisters filled with liquid on the upper layers. With unopened vesicles, repair of the dermal cell occurs in 2-3 weeks; if the integrity of the blisters is damaged, the healing time increases depending on the characteristics of the disease. If an infection develops in the wound, skin cell regeneration may take up to a month to complete the treatment.

To speed up the healing process of 2nd degree burns, the following medications are prescribed in the form of creams and ointments:

1. Actovegin 5% (ointment).
2. Thymogen (cream).
3. Solcoseryl (gel).
4. Reparef (antimicrobial ointment).
5. Wundehil (ointment).
6. Traumeel S (ointment).
7. Metaluracil (ointment).

In addition to the listed drugs, in order to stimulate the restoration of the dermis, Derinat (sodium deoxyribonucleate solution) and regenerants in the form of tablets (Xymedon) are prescribed.

3rd degree

3rd degree burns are complex and long-term types of injuries in which the affected areas of the skin initially die and only then, after the rejection process, the skin cell is restored. Treatment of such wounds requires 3 or more months, depending on the extent of the lesion and the general condition of the patient.

In some cases, skin grafting (grafting) is required on the affected areas, which can be replenished by autografting (scraps of the patient's skin) or xenografts. For this purpose, also during the recovery process, in addition to treating medications, ointments are used to eliminate scars by resorption. For the treatment of 3rd degree burns the following is used:

1. Hydrocortisone ointment.
2. Contractubex (gel).
3. Heparin ointment.
4. Zeraderm ultra.

In addition, to the listed drugs for the treatment of third-degree burn wounds, a complex of various physiotherapeutic measures is prescribed, which help not only restore the integrity of the skin, but also improve the functioning of joints and other organs.

Additional articles on anti-burn ointments

Methods of recovery after a 4th degree burn

Grade 4 skin lesions from burns require immediate hospitalization of the victim in special medical institutions, where the patient will remain for the entire duration of treatment. The course of treatment for such wounds is divided in stages:

1. Surgical removal of scab from a wound as a consequence of a burn.
2. Replenishment of defective areas by transplantation or other means.
3. Elimination of post-burn scars using plastic surgery.
4. Rehabilitation.

During the treatment process, after a certain period of time (10-15 days), in areas damaged by the burn, the dead areas of the dermis are rejected independently or surgically removed, after which the edges and other areas of the wound begin to heal. The appearance of scars in 4th degree burns means that the patient is recovering.

Surgical

The consequences that 3rd and 4th degree burns leave behind require surgical intervention, which may differ in the method of treatment. The following surgical interventions are used to treat 4th degree burns:

1. A skin graft that is taken from the patient.
2. Transplantation of dermal keratinocytes in cases where there are deep lesions.
3. Growing dermal cells.
4. Use of collagen matrices for the purpose of transplantation of keratinocytes and fibroblasts.

Scar removal procedures

To eliminate the consequences of burns, which manifest themselves in the form of scars, the following treatment methods are used:

1. Grinding using a laser beam.
2. Therapy using ultrasound equipment.
3. Treatment of fruit acids using peeling.
4. The use of various types of balms and creams with a restorative effect.

Restoration of the skin using physiotherapeutic methods

It is advisable to prescribe procedures for recovery after burns at the earliest stages of treatment. The rehabilitation period includes the restoration of blood supply, rapid regeneration with the elimination and prevention of decay in areas where there was necrosis of the dermis. To accelerate the therapeutic effect, the following methods of rehabilitation after burns are used:

1. Magnetotherapy. Helps restore affected areas, activates blood supply, stabilizes the general condition of the patient.
2. Ultraviolet irradiation. Accelerates skin repair, inhibits inflammation, strengthens the immune system.
3. Aeroionotherapy. By treating the affected areas with ionization, it increases the permeability of the skin.
4. Photochrome therapy, laser therapy. Both types of treatment help to restore skin areas faster due to irradiation, which enhances the effect.
5. Dorsonval. A preventive method for preventing ulcers.
6. Phonopharesis, ultrasound, UHF. Helps resolve scars, improves blood circulation, resists inflammation and decay.
7. Electrotherapy. Several types of treatment are used (transcranial electroanalgesia, electropheresis), which enhance antibacterial properties, restore blood supply, and promote regeneration of cellular tissues.

ethnoscience

In folk medicine, there are a number of recipes for substances that help restore skin cells, increase blood circulation, have whitening properties, relieve inflammation and treat decay.

1. Potato. Finely grated raw potatoes are used as compresses for minor burns, to relieve pain and treat the dermis (redness, swelling).
2. Parsley. The plant (leaves) must be chopped as finely as possible and the substance applied to the burn-affected skin for 20-30 minutes.
3. Cucumber. The juice is extracted from the plant and used to make compresses.
4. Nourishing and moisturizing masks. Beeswax (1 part) and butter (2 parts), melted in a water bath, mixed together until smooth and, adding a little lemon juice, used as a mask.
5. Sea buckthorn oil. The substance is applied to the affected areas several times a day to reduce spots on the skin that appear as a result of burns.
6. Aloe. An excellent antiseptic, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory agent. Both the pulp and juice of the plant are used.

Cream for skin restoration after burns is a product for the treatment of superficial damage to the skin, subcutaneous fat layer or deeper tissues as a result of radiation, thermal, electrical or chemical exposure. Burns are diseases and have important medical and social significance for victims.

What are the dangers of burns to the skin?

To effectively treat burn injuries, the severity of the injury must be clearly identified. The classification is based on the nature of the damage to the integumentary tissues received.

The damaging factors are:

1. chemical - acid, alkali (in domestic conditions and causes vinegar, iodine);
2. thermal – high temperature (hot metal surface, boiling water, glue, steam, ultraviolet rays);
3. radiation – release of radiation;
4. electric – electric shock from faulty household appliances, lightning strike.

The greatest danger is burn shock. If shock has not developed, but the affected area is large, then there is a high probability that infection and sepsis will develop.

Skin restoration products

It is better to restore skin after burns using pharmaceutical products. There are several main types of drugs:

1. Ointment. They have a wound-healing, antibactericidal, analgesic effect. Under their influence, the regeneration of the epithelium is accelerated.
2. Aerosols and sprays. Used in the treatment of deep skin lesions. There is no need to come into contact with the wound when applying.
3. Cream. To prevent the growth of keloid scars.
4. Bandage. The fabric base is impregnated with painkillers. First aid for relieving severe pain at home.
5. Gel. Promotes rapid cleansing of the surface of the injury from necrotic dead masses, serves as a prevention of suppuration and scar tissue.
6. Foam. A product for quickly restoring skin after a burn. Used at the initial stage of recovery.
7. Patch. Has a quick cooling effect, relieves pain, accelerates the regeneration process.
8. Solution. It is used as a last resort when there are no other drugs.
9. Medical glue. Forms a film on the surface with a strong antimicrobial effect.

A burned person rarely thinks about the aesthetic consequences of the injury. In the first hours, an ambulance is required to relieve pain and eliminate severe consequences. If the regeneration of damaged skin after a burn has led to scarring, relief smoothing products come to the rescue. Cosmetics with medicinal properties or cosmetic procedures will help remove the scar.

We recommend reading:

Review of effective creams

Medicines in the form of creams will help quickly restore the skin after a 1-2 degree burn.

Main topical preparations:

1. Povidoy-Yod. Thanks to active iodine, it kills bacteria and has a softening effect. It is not recommended for the treatment of burns in children and those with high sensitivity to the active component.
2. Levomekol. The composition includes chloramphenicol and methyluracil, which prevent the development of infection. Helps the skin quickly recover, heal, and prevents scarring.
3. Panthenol. Effective against all types of burns. Helps soften the injured area, restore elasticity, and activate regenerative processes.
4. Rescuer. The cream composition eliminates redness, swelling, and inflammation. Used to treat when the skin is peeling.
5. Bepanten. The drug is prescribed for first aid and for the subsequent recovery period.

These products intended for skin regeneration after burns are only a small part of the total number of all methods that help restore damaged tissue.

How can you soften your skin?

The method of treatment largely depends on the type of burn injury. To provide effective first aid, it is necessary to clarify how the injury was received.

Oil

Boiling oil can cause varying degrees of damage.

In the second and third degrees, treatment is indicated exclusively in a medical institution, where the doctor will develop an optimal recovery plan.

The home therapy option is only suitable for the first degree. Olazol or Panthenol are used to relieve pain. Healing can take several weeks; thin skin must be softened with Bepanten, Panthenol, Vitaon, La-Cri, etc. A folk recipe showed good results: a compress with juice from aloe leaves.

In the sun

Tanning beds and the sun are dangerous to the skin and can cause serious damage. Sunburn can be treated with special medications that are distributed by any pharmacy.

Panthenol will help effectively relieve pain, prevent inflammation and soften. When exposed to it, cells begin to regenerate faster. After application, a protective healing film is formed, which helps restore health. The skin does not peel off, crack, or pigmentation after treatment.

To relieve fever and pain, Aspirin, Ibuprofen and other drugs are suitable.

Electrical appliances

In the event of an electric shock, a set of measures is required. An important condition is to bring the patient out of a serious condition.

If an arm, leg or other part is damaged, the patient is given dressings with antiseptics and, if necessary, decompression necrotomy. Patients are treated as for thermal burns - Panthenol, Bepanten and other ointments that help restore lost functions to the dermis. For severe burns, Fusiderm and Fuzimet ointments help speed up the recovery process.

How to quickly restore skin with creams

Getting burned is dangerous and harmful; if this happens, try to take all necessary measures to speed up regeneration.

1. Relieving inflammation and swelling. Wash the wound with hydrogen peroxide or chlorhexidine. Applying the anti-inflammatory drug Panthenol, Rescuer or Pavignon-Iodine and dressings.
2. Removing dead masses. After drying, peeling is done at home or in the salon.
3. Moisturizing and nutrition. Special products are used for post-burn therapy.
4. Protection from sunlight, low and high temperatures, otherwise you can get burned again and get a scar.

A burn can greatly change your life. It is important to provide first aid in a timely manner and take a responsible approach to the rehabilitation period. Among the therapeutic agents, there must be drugs that help soften the skin after a burn and prevent scarring. The right approach will help preserve beauty, and not remember it from old photos.