If you experience a second- or third-degreeĀ burn on your body, your healthcare provider may prescribe Silvadene cream to fight infection.
Silvadene, also known as silver sulfadiazine, is a topical, micronized form of silver that has antimicrobial properties.1 The prescription cream is simple to use, but you should follow the application guidelines to get the maximum benefit from it.
This article explains how Silvadene works and how to use it. It also addresses the potential side effects and the precautions you should take when using it.
Know Your Burns
Burns fall into several categories: those in the first-, second-, and third-degree, depending on how deeply they penetrate the skin:
- First-degree burns affect only the outer layer of skin, with the burn site being dry, red, and painful. No blisters appear with these burns.
- Second-degree burns involve the outer layer and part of the lower layer of the skin. The burn usually looks red and blistered and it may be swollen and painful. First- and second-degree burns are considered minor burns.
- Third-degree burns destroy both top layers of the skin and may even penetrate the innermost layer. The burn site often looks charred and either black or white.