Topical Antibiotics are medicines
applied to the skin to kill bacteria. They are used to treat or prevent
infections that occur on minor cuts, scrapes, and burns due to presence of
bacteria. Treating wounds, cuts or burns with topical antibiotics help in
quick healing. Any kind of wound which is left untreated leads to more
infections due to accumulation of bacteria and the infectious symptoms are
pain, redness, swelling, itching, and oozing. They are also used on surgical
incision sites to prevent infection. Untreated infections can eventually
spread and become much more serious.
Description of Topical Antibiotics
The medications that are used
to treat bacterial infections are antibiotics. The topical antibiotics as
the name suggest are not to be consumed but to be applied. They are applied
directly to the skin to treat or prevent infection. For any cut or wound,
when the antibiotic is applied directly on the skin, it promotes accelerated
healing and reduces the risk of infection. They are available in the form of
creams, ointments, powders, and sprays.
Some Common Topical Antibiotics
There are different topical
antibiotics that kill different types of bacteria. Most common ones are
available without a doctor's prescription. Some widely used topical
antibiotics are:
- Bacitracin
- Neomycin
- Mupirocin
- Polymyxin B
The common ingredients used in these medicines are Bactroban (a
prescription item), Neosporin, Polysporin, and Triple antibiotic Ointment or
Cream. Some contain multiple antibiotics to kill a broad range of bacteria.
A prescription is then required to treat more severe infections.
Recommended dosage
Always check the label or ask your doctor for
recommended applications as they depend on the type of topical antibiotic.
As a rule, they should be applied within four hours after injury. Do not use
more than the required amount. Also you are not supposed to apply it more
often than three times a day. Do not apply the antibiotic over large areas
of skin or on open wounds. Before application, wash the affected area
properly and then pat dry. After the topical antibiotic is applied, the
wound should be covered with a dressing.
Warnings
If the wound in not healed within a week, consult your
doctor immediately. Use topical antibiotics only for small cuts, scrapes and
burns. Do not apply on diaper rash in infants or incontinence rash in
adults. Do not apply topical antibiotics in case of large wounds, deep cuts,
cuts that continue bleeding or need stitches, large burns, scrapes with
particles that won't wash away, animal bites, eye injuries etc.
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