Can you use Aquaphor for burns?

Which burns can you treat at home?

A superficial, or first degree, burn affects only the top layer of skin. It can look red, hurt and have mild swelling. A brief encounter with a hot pan, iron or hair straightener can cause one. Minor burns can happen while cooking or styling hair. Aquaphor also markets Healing Ointment for minor friction burns, where skin repeatedly rubs against another surface. Blistering needs medical advice rather than an assumption that the burn is superficial.145

How to use Aquaphor on a minor burn

1. 1Move away from the heat source. Remove nearby clothing or jewellery, but leave anything stuck to the burn in place.
2. 2Cool the burn under cool running water for 20 minutes, as soon as possible and within 3 hours of the injury. If running water is unavailable, use cool bottled water or a wet towel. Do not put creams, oils or butter on the fresh burn.
3. 3After cooling, apply Aquaphor Healing Ointment to a small, superficial burn. Aquaphor directs you to apply as needed and describes daily use while the minor burn heals, with reapplication during the day or night.
4. 4Protect the area with a sterile, nonstick bandage. Avoid sticky dressings, and do not pop any blisters.

What does Aquaphor actually do?

The US Aquaphor Healing Ointment contains 41% petrolatum and temporarily protects minor burns. After cooling, it creates a protective barrier and a moist environment while skin heals naturally, which leaves the ointment in charge of facilities rather than miracles. Aquaphor's role is protection during healing, a less theatrical job than the product name suggests, though Healing's Assistant would be harder to fit on the tube. This advice concerns Healing Ointment, not every product carrying the Aquaphor name, because a shared surname is not a job description. Plain petroleum jelly is another option for a superficial burn, applied two to three times daily; that schedule is general burn care, not Aquaphor's label directions. Do not add topical antibiotics as part of routine home care.245

How long does healing take?

A superficial minor burn can heal in three to six days; small burns and scalds more broadly can take around two weeks. Redness can persist for weeks after healing, especially in darker skin tones. Once the burn has healed, protect the area with shade, clothing or a broad spectrum, water resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to help minimize scarring. Paracetamol, also called acetaminophen, or ibuprofen can help with pain.345

When does a burn need medical care?

Get emergency care for a large or deep burn, a burn on the face, genitals or bottom, or one caused by electricity or chemicals. Burns in infants or older people also warrant immediate assessment. Seek medical attention promptly for pus, fever, changes in skin colour around the burn, increasing swelling or a burn that suddenly deepens. Stop Aquaphor and ask a doctor if the condition worsens, symptoms last more than seven days, or symptoms disappear and return within a few days. Keep the ointment out of your eyes.2345

Why does Aquaphor make my lips burn?

Burning after application is irritation, not a sign that the product is working. Stop using Aquaphor if it burns or stings your lips. Lip products can cause irritation or contact allergy, and the sensation alone cannot identify the cause. Healing Ointment contains lanolin alcohol and bisabolol; lanolin and bisabolol are among reported allergens in lip care products. Try a nonirritating option such as plain white petroleum jelly. If symptoms persist or keep returning, a dermatologist can investigate, including patch testing for contact allergy.267