What is the recommendation for using antibiotic creams versus natural healing or moisturizers like petroleum jelly (Vaseline) (petrolatum) for new, non-bleeding, superficial wounds?

From the Guidelines

For new, non-bleeding, superficial wounds, the use of natural healing or moisturizers like petroleum jelly (Vaseline) is recommended over antibiotic creams. This approach is supported by the 2024 American Heart Association and American Red Cross guidelines for first aid, which state that occlusive dressings such as film, petrolatum, hydrogel, and cellulose/collagen dressings result in better wound healing than dry dressings 1.

The benefits of using petroleum jelly (Vaseline) include:

• Promoting a moist environment that prevents scab formation and allows the body's natural healing processes to work effectively
• Acting as a barrier to protect the wound from external contaminants
• Reducing the risk of skin irritation or antibiotic resistance associated with antibiotic creams

In contrast, antibiotic creams are usually unnecessary for minor wounds and may not improve wound healing or decrease infection rates in clean wounds 1.

To apply this recommendation in practice:

• Apply a thin layer of plain petroleum jelly (Vaseline) to the wound and cover with a clean bandage
• Reapply and change the bandage daily or whenever it gets wet or dirty
• Continue this regimen until the wound heals, typically within a few days to a week for minor cuts and scrapes
• Monitor the wound for signs of infection (redness, swelling, warmth, or pus) and consult a healthcare provider if necessary, as oral antibiotics may be necessary in such cases.

From the FDA Drug Label

Directions clean the affected area apply a small amount of this product (an amount equal to the surface area of the tip of a finger) on the area 1 to 3 times daily may be covered with a sterile bandage Inactive ingredient white petrolatum

The recommendation for using antibiotic creams versus natural healing or moisturizers like petroleum jelly (Vaseline) (petrolatum) for new, non-bleeding, superficial wounds is to use antibiotic creams as directed, such as applying a small amount 1 to 3 times daily, and they may be covered with a sterile bandage. Some antibiotic creams, like Bacitracin, contain petrolatum as an inactive ingredient, suggesting that petrolatum is not contraindicated with antibiotic use 2 3.

From the Research

Wound Care Recommendations

For new, non-bleeding, superficial wounds, the following recommendations can be considered:

• Moist wound care has been established as standard therapy for wound healing 4
• Local wound care consists of thorough cleansing with potable tap water or normal saline followed by the application of an appropriate dressing corresponding to the principles of moist wound treatment 4
• Hydroactive colloid gels or hydrogels can be used for dry and exuding wounds, as they combine the attributes of hydrocolloids and hydrogels and are easy to use 4, 5
• The choice of dressing should be limited to a few products that fulfill the principles of moist wound management and are easy to use 4

Comparison of Antibiotic Creams and Natural Healing or Moisturizers

• There is no direct comparison between antibiotic creams and natural healing or moisturizers like petroleum jelly (Vaseline) (petrolatum) in the provided studies
• However, it is mentioned that hydrogels are more suited for incorporating different active ingredients, including antibiotics, due to their superior versatility and capability of maintaining the integrity and functionality of the active ingredient 5
• Moisturizers like petroleum jelly (Vaseline) (petrolatum) can be used to maintain a moist environment, which is beneficial for wound healing 4

Dressing Options for Superficial Wounds

• Various dressing options are available for superficial wounds, including hydrocolloids, interfaces, greasy dressings, hydrocellular dressings, metalloprotease inhibitors, and hyaluronic acid dressings 6
• The choice of dressing depends on the particularities of the superficial wound 6