Antibiotic Ointment: Uses and Application

Antibiotic ointment is a topical medication containing antibiotics that is applied to wounds or cuts to prevent infection and promote healing.
Category
Topical medication
Where to get
Available over-the-counter at pharmacies.
Applicable for
Prepared by Shruti Sahoo, reviewed by Dr. Eugene Smith

Antibiotic Ointment FAQ


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What is an antibiotic ointment?

Ointments are creams and gels you can put on your skin to kill bacteria. They can be very effective sometimes. For example, if you have a rash or an infected cut, an ointment can help it heal. Antibiotic creams are not usually dangerous and are very effective if used at the right time.

Are antibiotic ointments effective?

Antibiotic ointments can help reduce the risk of infection, which is particularly important for people with weak immune systems. However, a 2018 meta-analysis found that these creams were barely more effective at preventing infection than a placebo.

How do you use antibiotic ointment?

First, clean and dry the skin where you intend to apply the antibiotic ointment. Apply a small amount of cream to the area each day. Add more cream one to three times a day. You can find a lengthy list of ointments (topical antibiotics) here. Both prescription and over-the-counter topical antibiotics are listed.

What are topical antibiotics?

Topical antibiotics are antibiotics that have been manufactured into a cream or an ointment and can be applied directly to the skin. Antibiotics are medicines that destroy or inhibit the growth of susceptible bacteria.

Antibiotic Ointment References

If you want to know more about Antibiotic Ointment, consider exploring links below:

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