Burnaid FAQ

Burnaid burn-gel and the Burnaid burn-gel impregnated sponge dressing are designed for sunburns,  1^st and 2^nd degree burns ONLY.  If you are unsure of your burn stage, please contact your family care physician or call 911.

Q. What type of burns can I use the Burnaid burn-gel and the Burnaid burn-gel sponge impregnated dressings on?

A. Burnaid is for use on 1^st degree - superficial (red unbroken skin), and 2^nd degree – partial thickness (red and blistered skin) burns. Burnaid is fantastic on sunburns.  Burnaid is NOT for use on 3^rd degree - full thickness burns.

Q. How do I use the Burnaid burn-gel?

A. Simply tear open the dressing sachet and apply directly to the burn.  Leave on for at least 15 minutes and up to 2 hours to ensure relief and cool down the burn.  If needed you can also cover the gel with a band aid or gauze patch that matches the size of the burn.

Q. How do I use the Burnaid burn-gel sponge impregnated dressing?

A. Open the foil packet and apply the sterile sponge directly to the burn.  Make sure you’ve chosen a sponge size that will not only cover the burn, but also the surrounding tissue.  This will act as general antiseptic to the area as well as aid in the prevention of “burn creep” into the surrounding tissue.  If needed you can cover the Burnaid burn-gel impregnated sponge with a large gauze bandage to aid in mobility.  The Burnaid burn-gel impregnated sponge dressing can be left on from 15 minutes up to 2 hours.

Q. How long do I leave the dressing on?

A. Burnaid burn-gel is a pre-medical dressing, designed to deliver immediate pain relief and cool the burn – minimizing ‘burn creep’ and further tissue damage. It is not a long-term treatment product. Burnaid burn-gel and the Burnaid burn-gel impregnated sponge dressing can be left on the burn for up to 2 hours.

Q. Why use Burnaid burn-gel instead of ice water?

A. The advantage of Burnaid over ice water is; ease of use, ongoing relief and help in minimize “burn creep”.  Water may offer immediate temporary relief on a surface level, but most people do not realize that a burn can actually “keep burning” under the surface of the skin even though the top layer of the epidermis seems cool. Burnaid burn-gel also aids in drawing the burn out of the skin.  Also the Burnaid burn-gel dressing does not readily dry out or run off, but and can stay moist and in position for up to 2 hours.  Unlike gauze, the Burnaid burn-gel dressing will not adhere to the skin. Furthermore the Melaleuca alternifolia in the gel acts as a mild local anesthetic, giving ongoing relief – not afforded by ice water. Burnaid Dressings are sterile – often not the case with water.

Q. Are there any allergic reactions to Burnaid?

A. Burnaid has been tested for skin irritancy and sensitization, eye irritancy and toxicity. It is considered to have little or no skin irritancy and sensitization properties for short-term contact, and is considered only the mildest of eye irritants. Burnaid gel is considered non toxic. Reported allergic reactions run at around 4 per million units sold. Burnaid contains 1.5% Oil of Melaleuca alternifolia. 100% pure oil can cause an allergic reaction in a small percentage of people, however using anything under 10% is considered to be of little or no irritancy for short-term topical use. If a patient was experiencing any discomfort or any sign of an allergic reaction, we would recommend immediate removal and flushing of the gel off with water.

Q. Do Burnaid Dressings come in other sizes?

A. Yes, we make a 4”x4”, 8”x8”, 22”x16” and the single use sachets.  Burnaid is also available in a tube and now a new spray bottle.

Q. Why not just use the Burnaid gel on a dry dressing instead of the Burnaid Dressing?

A. Burnaid Dressings are quicker, easier and more convenient to use than needing to apply gel and then bandaging. Furthermore, the dressing is an open-cell foam that traps the gel in place; whereas putting gel direct onto the burn may result in it not staying in place.

Q. Does Burnaid have an analgesic?

A. Burnaid is in excess of 90% water trapped in a gel, which contains a plant extract – Melaleuca alternifolia. Melaleuca alternifolia is and antiseptic as well as being a mild local anesthetic. When the gel is placed on a burn, the water trapped on the burn helps cool and soothe, and the Melaleuca oil gives ongoing relief.

Q. Will Burnaid burn-gel help to prevent infection?

A. Yes. Melaleuca alternifolia oil is an effective antiseptic. At the level present in Burnaid (1.5%), it offers antimicrobial action that can help inhibit infection. However Burnaid has not been developed to exhibit strong antiseptic activity – it is an immediate care device, not a long-term treatment.

Q. Can Burnaid burn-gel be used on children?

A. Yes, but only the smaller dressings on young children up to 5 years. Be aware of hypothermia in cold weather, and the length of time the dressing is in place. Do not use the 16"x22" dressing on young children.

Q. Does Burnaid burn-gel stain clothes?

A. No. Burnaid burn-gel is a non-pigmented, non-staining water-soluble gel.

Q. Does Burnaid burn-gel or the Burnaid burn-gel sponge impregnated dressings adhere to the burn?

A. No Burnaid burn-gel is water-soluble and can simply be washed off. The gel helps moisturize the burn.