From the Guidelines
Aquaphor can be used on small cuts or wounds with minimal bleeding, but it is crucial to prioritize stopping the bleeding first, and for actively bleeding wounds, direct pressure with a clean cloth or bandage should be applied until bleeding stops. For small bleeds, after cleaning the wound thoroughly with mild soap and water, a thin layer of Aquaphor can be applied to help create a protective barrier that keeps the wound moist and promotes healing 1. The petroleum-based ointment helps prevent the wound from drying out and cracking, which can delay healing and increase scarring. However, if the bleeding doesn't stop after 10-15 minutes of pressure, is heavy, or comes from a deep or large wound, seek medical attention instead of relying on Aquaphor. Some key points to consider when managing bleeding wounds include:
- Applying direct pressure with a clean cloth or bandage until bleeding stops
- Using topical haemostatic agents, such as those based on collagen, gelatine, or fibrin, as adjuncts to traditional surgical techniques to obtain haemorrhagic control 1
- Considering the type of bleeding, severity, coagulation status, and each agent’s specific characteristics when using topical haemostatic agents
- Prioritizing stopping the bleeding and promoting a protective environment for the body's natural healing process. In the context of severe limb trauma, the presence of one or more Vittel criteria in the prehospital setting should prompt admission to a specialised Trauma Centre, and the fastest, most effective, and least personnel-consuming haemostasis techniques should be used 1.
From the Research
Wound Care and Aquaphor
- Aquaphor Healing Ointment is a nonantibiotic, petrolatum-based ointment that can be used for wound care 2.
- A study comparing Aquaphor to an antibiotic-based ointment found that Aquaphor provided equivalent efficacy for wound healing with fewer adverse effects, such as allergic contact dermatitis 2.
- There is no direct evidence in the provided studies that specifically addresses the use of Aquaphor for small bleeds.
- However, the studies suggest that petrolatum-based ointments, like Aquaphor, can be effective in wound care and may be a suitable alternative to antibiotic-based ointments in some cases 3, 2.
Topical Antibiotics and Wound Care
- Topical antibiotics, such as bacitracin, neomycin, and polymyxin B, are commonly used in wound care to prevent infections 3, 4, 5.
- A study found that the use of topical antibiotics resulted in significantly lower infection rates than a petrolatum control 3.
- However, another study suggested that antibiotics may not be necessary for healing superficial wounds and may contribute to the development of antibiotic resistance 2.
Safety and Efficacy of Topical Agents
- The safety and efficacy of topical agents, including Aquaphor and antibiotic-based ointments, can vary depending on the specific product and individual patient factors 6, 2.
- A study on the use of bacitracin powder in surgical wounds found that it was not associated with anaphylaxis, wound breakdown, or renal dysfunction 6.
- Another study found that a triple-antibiotic ointment was superior to a simple gauze-type dressing in minimizing scarring in dermabrasion wounds 5.