From the Guidelines
For minor abrasions, a topical antibiotic ointment or a clean occlusive dressing is recommended to keep the wound moist and prevent drying, as evidenced by the 2010 American Heart Association and American Red Cross international consensus on first aid science with treatment recommendations 1. When it comes to choosing the best topical abrasion care ointment, the goal is to promote a moist healing environment that reduces the risk of infection and scarring.
- Apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment to the cleaned wound 1-3 times daily until healed, covering with a bandage if needed.
- For abrasions with higher infection risk, antibiotic ointments like Bacitracin, Neosporin, or Polysporin can be used similarly.
- Before applying any ointment, gently clean the wound with mild soap and water, pat dry, then apply the ointment. The use of a topical antibiotic ointment or a clean occlusive dressing has been shown to result in significantly shorter healing time of abrasions compared to no dressing or topical antibiotic, as demonstrated by evidence from small, nonrandomized trials and supportive animal studies 1. It is essential to note that if the abrasion shows signs of infection, such as increasing redness, warmth, swelling, pus, or red streaks, medical attention should be sought promptly, as recommended by the 2010 American Heart Association and American Red Cross guidelines for first aid 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Directions adults and children 2 years of age and older: 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 The best topical abrasion care ointment is Bacitracin (TOP), as it provides antibiotic properties and can be applied to cleaned affected areas 1 to 3 times daily 2.
- Key points:
- Apply a small amount
- Clean the affected area before application
- May be covered with a sterile bandage Note that another option is Triple Antibiotic Ointment + Pain Relief which contains Bacitracin Zinc, Neomycin Sulfate, Polymyxin B Sulfate & Pramoxine HCL 2.
From the Research
Topical Abrasion Care Ointments
- The choice of topical abrasion care ointment depends on various factors, including the type and severity of the abrasion, as well as individual patient needs 3, 4, 5.
- Some studies suggest that petrolatum-based ointments, such as Aquaphor Healing Ointment (AHO), may be effective in promoting wound healing, but may also cause wound redness and swelling 3.
- Other options, such as cyanoacrylate-based liquid dressings, have been shown to be safe and effective in treating minor nonbleeding abrasions and skin tears, eliminating the need for topical antibiotics and dressings 4.
- Topical antibiotic ointments, such as Neosporin and Polysporin, are commonly used for postoperative wound care, but may not be necessary for clean surgical wounds and can cause allergic contact dermatitis and increase drug resistance 5, 6.
- The use of topical triple-antibiotic ointment has been suggested as a novel therapeutic choice in wound management and infection prevention, with a low risk of allergic sensitivity and resistance 6.
Comparison of Topical Ointments
- A study comparing AHO, Neosporin, and Polysporin found that AHO demonstrated faster and more effective improvements in wound healing parameters, including erythema, edema, and epithelial confluence 5.
- Another study found that AHO had a higher incidence of wound redness compared to white petroleum jelly, highlighting the need for careful selection of topical agents based on individual patient needs 3.
Wound Care Considerations
- The optimization of the wound environment is critical in facilitating the progression through the stages of healing, and can be accomplished through the use of different topical therapies and wound dressings 7.
- The choice of topical ointment should be based on the specific needs of the patient and the type of wound, taking into account factors such as the risk of infection, the need for moisture retention, and the potential for allergic reactions 3, 4, 5, 6.