Which one is for sunburn?

Superficial sunburn is one of the indications listed in the Biafine package insert. A severe burn, or one with blisters, requires medical attention.

Dexeryl, Biafine or MEBO? What the difference is and when each one is used

Three names come up in Algerian pharmacies more than any others when the subject is a superficial burn, a small wound or very dry skin: Dexeryl, Biafine and MEBO. Customers often ask which one is best, but the question itself is the wrong one, because the three are not substitutes for each other. Each has a different composition, different indications printed in its leaflet, and a method of application that has nothing in common with the others.

This guide sets out what each product says about itself in its own leaflet, and where the practical differences lie for someone standing at the shelf. One thing before anything else: all three are medicines and not cosmetics, and the situations that call for a doctor are listed at the end of this article and should not be worked around.

The short answer

Product	Main active substance	First use per the leaflet	Application
Dexeryl	Glycerol, petrolatum and liquid paraffin	Dry skin associated with certain skin conditions	Thin layer, once or twice a day
Biafine	Trolamine	Superficial burns and non-infected skin wounds	Thick layer, renewed so an excess remains
MEBO	Beta-sitosterol in an oil base	Burns, wounds and cracked nipples	Thin layer, 3 to 4 times a day

The first striking difference is not in the ingredients but in how thickly each is applied: Biafine goes on thick and in excess, while Dexeryl and MEBO go on thin. That single detail explains a large share of incorrect use.

Dexeryl: a treatment moisturiser first

Dexeryl is a cream used as an adjunct treatment for dry skin associated with certain skin conditions, and its leaflet names atopic dermatitis and psoriasis specifically. It also mentions possible use as an adjunct treatment for superficial burns.

Its composition is simple and readable. Per 100 grams of cream: 15 grams of glycerol, 8 grams of petrolatum and 2 grams of liquid paraffin. Glycerol is a humectant that helps the skin hold water, while petrolatum and paraffin form a barrier that stops that water evaporating. The whole logic therefore rests on moisture and protection, not on antisepsis or tissue repair.

The stated dose is one to two applications a day, or more if needed, in a thin layer directly on the area concerned, massaged gently until it absorbs.

When Dexeryl is the logical choice: when the problem is chronic dryness, scaling and itching that come with a known skin condition, rather than a fresh burn or an open wound.

See the product page: Dexeryl cream

Biafine: superficial burns and minor wounds

Biafine is a trolamine-based emulsion. Its leaflet lists three uses: soothing and treating small superficial burns such as sunburn, household burns or the aftermath of laser sessions; supporting healing of superficial non-infected skin wounds such as cuts, grazes and non-infected ulcerations, or after a tattoo; and reducing secondary erythema from radiotherapy.

The method of application is what really sets it apart. For first-degree burns, the leaflet says to apply a thick layer until the skin takes no more, with a light massage, repeated 2 to 4 times a day. For other skin wounds, the wound is cleaned first, then a thick layer is applied extending beyond the edges of the lesion, with applications renewed so that an excess of emulsion always remains on the area.

The leaflet flags a point many people miss: do not use a dry absorbent dressing with Biafine, because it absorbs the emulsion and defeats the purpose. If covering is needed, it is done with a moistened compress.

When Biafine is the logical choice: sunburn, a superficial household burn, a clean graze that is not inflamed, or skin after a laser session.

See the product page: Biafine emulsion

MEBO: an oil base for burns and wounds

MEBO is an ointment with a composition unlike the other two. Its active substance is beta-sitosterol, alongside sesame oil extract, beeswax, a range of amino acids and fatty acids, polysaccharides and vitamin E.

Its leaflet mentions use in treating burns and wounds and reducing pain at the site, in treating cracked nipples, and in moisturising the skin and renewing its cells, as well as reducing inflammation and redness. The product states that it forms a moist layer over the burn that supports the rebuilding of damaged tissue.

It is applied in a thin layer 3 to 4 times a day, preferably leaving the area uncovered, with the option of dressing it if needed. For cracked nipples, a thin layer is applied and the area covered with a sterile compress, repeated three or four times a day.

When MEBO is the logical choice: burns and wounds where an oil base keeping the area moist is wanted, cracked nipples, or skin after a chemical peel or a microdermabrasion session.

See the product page: MEBO ointment

The differences that actually decide it

The primary purpose. Dexeryl is a treatment moisturiser for dryness; Biafine and MEBO are aimed at burns and wounds. Looking for something for dry, cracked winter skin is not the same problem as burning yourself with oil in the kitchen.

Layer thickness. Biafine goes on thick and in excess, MEBO and Dexeryl go on thin. Applying Biafine thinly costs it part of its purpose; applying MEBO thickly wastes product with no added benefit.

Dressings. Biafine is not placed under a dry absorbent dressing, and MEBO is best used with the area left open. This practical detail separates correct use from use with no effect.

Texture. MEBO's base is oily and can mark clothing, while Dexeryl, as a cream, is more comfortable for wide daily use over the body.

When none of the three is the answer

This section matters more than everything above it, and the leaflets themselves say so:

Extensive burns require a doctor, and Biafine’s leaflet states this explicitly.

Second-degree burns require medical advice before any topical application.

Secondary erythema from radiotherapy follows the treating doctor’s instructions and nothing else.

Infected or inflamed wounds: Biafine’s indications specifically cover wounds that are not infected.

An allergy to any component rules the product out, and Dexeryl states this among its contraindications.

Redness that spreads, pain that increases, discharge, odour or fever: these call for a doctor, not for a different product.

And because all three are medicines, the pharmacist is the first point of reference in case of doubt, and the leaflet in the box is the source to rely on rather than general advice found online, this article included.

Frequently asked questions

Can Dexeryl be used on a burn?

Its leaflet mentions possible use as an adjunct treatment for superficial burns, but its primary use remains dry skin associated with certain skin conditions.

Are Biafine and MEBO interchangeable?

They share an orientation towards burns and wounds, but they differ in composition, in method of application and in how dressings are handled. Choosing between them is a matter for the pharmacist, based on the situation.

How many times a day is each one applied?

Dexeryl once or twice a day, more if needed; Biafine 2 to 4 times for first-degree burns; MEBO 3 to 4 times.

Is MEBO compatible with breastfeeding?

In the context of cracked nipples, the product information indicates that breastfeeding remains possible when the stated method of use is followed. Any question relating to breastfeeding should be put to a doctor or pharmacist.