Can You Use A&D Ointment?
Yes, you can use A&D ointment for skin protection, wound healing, and managing dry or irritated skin, as it functions as a safe occlusive barrier cream containing petrolatum and lanolin. 1
Primary Indications and Evidence
A&D ointment is appropriate for several clinical scenarios:
Wound healing after dermatologic procedures - Over-the-counter healing ointments containing petrolatum demonstrate significant improvement in wound healing parameters, including decreased erythema, edema, and scabbing/crusting after dermatologic surgical procedures 1
Dry, chapped, or cracked skin - Healing ointments significantly reduce skin dryness and increase skin smoothness after application, with excellent tolerability and safety profiles 1
Skin barrier protection - Petrolatum-based products are specifically recommended for topical application around nails to prevent paronychia through lubricant and smoothing effects, forming a protective film that prevents moisture evaporation 2
Mechanism and Clinical Benefits
Occlusive barrier function - The petrolatum base creates a protective film on the skin surface that prevents transepidermal water loss and protects against environmental irritants 2, 3
Moisturization without active ingredients - Unlike prescription treatments, A&D ointment provides basic emollient effects through physical barrier enhancement rather than pharmacologic mechanisms 1
Important Caveats and Limitations
Avoid using A&D ointment in specific situations:
Do not apply before or after Dermabond (cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive) - The combination of petrolatum-based products with surgical adhesives is contraindicated due to interference with adhesive bonding 4
Not for acneiform conditions - Greasy creams and ointments may facilitate development of folliculitis due to their occlusive properties and should be avoided on acne-prone skin 2
Not a substitute for prescription therapy - For inflammatory dermatoses like atopic dermatitis or acne vulgaris, A&D ointment does not replace evidence-based treatments such as topical corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors, or retinoids 2
Limited barrier strengthening - Simple paraffin-based emollients do not improve natural moisturizing factor (NMF) levels or provide protection against irritants like sodium lauryl sulfate, unlike humectant-containing formulations 5
Practical Application Guidelines
Apply liberally to affected areas at least once daily for dry skin conditions 1
Use on intact or healing skin - Most effective for wound care after the initial inflammatory phase has resolved 1
Safe for sensitive skin - Clinical studies demonstrate excellent tolerability with no significant adverse effects in subjects with self-perceived sensitive skin 1
Not for primary protection against corrosive agents - Barrier creams should not be relied upon as primary protection against high-risk chemical exposures 3