According to rankings by US News Health, the best cream to heal burns fast is Neosporin. It received a perfect score of 100 in their "Burn Treatments" category, which is based on pharmacist recommendations.
Top Burn Treatments Ranked by Pharmacists 2024
US News Health's ranking identifies the most effective over-the-counter options for burn treatment. Here's a summary of their top recommendations:
| Rank | Brand | Active/Key Ingredients (sample product) | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Neosporin | Bacitracin Zinc, Neomycin Sulfate, Polymyxin B Sulfate, More | 100 |
| #2 | Dermoplast | Benzocaine, Menthol | 90 |
| #3 | A+D | Lanolin, Petrolatum | 56 |
| #4 | Polysporin | Polymyxin B Sulfate, Bacitracin Zinc | 50 |
(Source: US News Health - Rankings: Burn Treatments)
Why Neosporin is Ranked #1 for Healing Burns
Neosporin is highly recommended primarily due to its active ingredients, which are a combination of antibiotics:
- Bacitracin Zinc
- Neomycin Sulfate
- Polymyxin B Sulfate
These triple antibiotic ingredients work together to prevent infection in minor cuts, scrapes, and burns. Preventing infection is a critical step in the healing process, as it allows the body to repair damaged skin more effectively and quickly. By creating an antibacterial barrier, Neosporin helps keep the wound clean and supports the natural healing mechanisms of the skin.
Other Notable Options for Burn Care
While Neosporin focuses on infection prevention to aid healing, other highly-ranked products offer different benefits:
- Dermoplast (#2): Contains Benzocaine (a topical anesthetic) and Menthol, making it highly effective for pain relief associated with minor burns.
- A+D (#3): Primarily uses Lanolin and Petrolatum, which are emollients that create a protective barrier on the skin, aiding in moisture retention and protection, which is beneficial for skin recovery.
- Polysporin (#4): Also an antibiotic ointment, containing Polymyxin B Sulfate and Bacitracin Zinc. It offers similar infection-preventing benefits to Neosporin but without the Neomycin Sulfate.
For fast healing, the prevention of infection, as offered by Neosporin, is key, making it the top choice among over-the-counter burn treatments.
