Bacitracin Tube Size for Second-Degree Burns
For second-degree burns, prescribe a 28.4 gram (1 oz) tube of bacitracin-containing triple antibiotic ointment, which is the standard commercially available size for outpatient burn management.
Standard Prescription Size
- The typical tube size for topical antibiotic ointment containing bacitracin is 28.4 grams (1 oz), which is the standard FDA-approved commercial packaging 1
- This size is appropriate for most outpatient second-degree burn treatments requiring frequent application over the healing period 2
Application Guidelines
- Apply a thin layer of petrolatum-based triple antibiotic ointment (containing bacitracin, neomycin sulfate, and polymyxin B) after initial cooling and cleaning 2, 3
- Cover with a clean, non-adherent dressing after ointment application 2, 3
- Change dressings every 1-2 days based on wound condition, requiring repeated ointment application 3
Factors Affecting Amount Needed
Burn size considerations:
- For small burns (<10% TBSA in adults, <5% in children), a single 28.4 gram tube is typically sufficient for the complete healing period 2
- Larger burns may require multiple tubes or referral to a specialized burn center 2, 3
Special anatomical locations:
- Burns on face, hands, feet, or genitalia require specialized care regardless of size and may need different quantities 2, 4
- These special areas should ideally be managed by a burn specialist 4
Important Clinical Caveats
- Topical antibiotics should not be used as first-line prophylaxis for all burns, but are appropriate for initial wound care of second-degree burns 5
- Avoid prolonged use of silver sulfadiazine on superficial burns as it may delay healing 5, 2, 3
- Triple antibiotic ointment has been shown to enhance reepithelialization and reduce scarring compared to silver-based dressings in second-degree burns 6