Is your skin prone to cuts, abrasions, and then infections? If yes, having a topical antibiotic cream or ointment in your first-aid kit can save you from the trouble. Among the commonly used products is the bacitracin zinc ointment which is known for healing wounds quickly and reducing the chances of infection. When applied to the wound, bacitracin zinc ointment uses a protective mechanism on the skin and prevents the microbes from entering the wound thus the risk of infection is lessened. But on which kind of skin issues bacitracin zinc ointment should be used?
Let us dive into bacitracin zinc ointment uses and contraindications along with some of the brands that are available in the US market.
Uses of Bacitracin Zinc Ointment
Some of the bacitracin zinc ointment uses have been enlisted as follows:
1. Bacitracin Zinc Ointment Uses in Cuts
The first and foremost use of bacitracin zinc ointment is for minor cuts on the skin. The area where the skin has been cut open is exposed to bacteria and other microbes which can cause infections. Therefore, applying a topical antibiotic product like bacitracin zinc ointment decreases the chances of such infections. The product also promotes moisture retention at the site of injury which further assists recovery.
2. Bacitracin Zinc Ointment Uses in Scrapes
Scrapes or abrasions are the skin areas where the surface tissue has been torn or broken. Usually, scrapes happen on the knees, ankles, and elbows where the skin is comparatively thinner. Although scrapes recover automatically within a few days, the risk of infections at the site of injury remains. Therefore, the use of an antibiotic topical product like the bacitracin zinc ointment becomes necessary.
3. Bacitracin Zinc Ointment Uses in Burns
If you deal with a stove or electrical appliances on a daily basis, burns are common to happen. Depending upon their degree and severity, these burns are treated differently. For first-degree burns which are superficial and not so severe, bacitracin zinc ointment can be used. In addition, the use of antibiotic creams and petroleum jelly is also recommended along with a non-stick dressing.
4. Bacitracin Zinc Ointment Uses in Eczema
Eczema is a skin condition in which the body becomes extremely dry. The patient feels itchy all the time. As a result, the skin tissue becomes weak over time and does not hold moisture effectively. To manage the condition, bacitracin zinc ointment of Neosporin is often recommended. The presence of zinc in the bacitracin zinc ointment helps wound healing due to its anti-inflammatory properties. It is also known to speed up the process of making new cells at the site of injury.
5. Bacitracin Zinc Ointment Uses in Diaper Rash
Mothers always suffer from the issue of rashes on their babies’ skin due to using diapers. In some cases, these rashes can even become worse. The microbe responsible for these severe rashes is either yeast or bacteria. Therefore, proper treatment is required to get rid of the condition. Physicians often recommend using topical products with antibiotics such as bacitracin zinc ointment. Apart from this, products containing mupirocin, miconazole, nystatin, and ketoconazole are also effective.
6. Bacitracin Zinc Ointment Uses in Sunburn
When we are directly exposed to the sun for a longer period of time, the ultraviolet or UV radiation coming from the sunlight affects our cells. As a result, the skin starts feeling reddened, inflamed, and painful. Moreover, the area also feels warm to the touch. As a remedy, the use of bacitracin zinc ointment two times a day is recommended. The product not only relieves the pain but also minimizes the chances of infection.
7. Bacitracin Zinc Ointment Uses in Staph Infection
The term Staph infection refers to the skin infections caused by the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus. The problem starts when the microbe enters into the body through an open wound or burn. The condition can affect the face region and other parts of the skin which are inflamed and have red pimples. Pain is also associated with the condition.
As bacitracin zinc ointment is an effective antibacterial product, it works against Staph infection as well as many kinds of bacteria to prevent and even mitigate the infections caused by them.
Overall, bacitracin zinc ointment is effective against infections caused by the following microbes:
· Staphylococcus aureus
· Streptococcus pneumoniae
· Neisseria species
· Treponema pallidum
· Actinomyces
· Fusobacterium species
Furthermore, bacitracin does not have efficacy against the following microbes:
· Candida
· Cryptococcus
· Enterobacteriaceae
· Nocardia
· Pseudomonas
8. Bacitracin Zinc Ointment Uses in Impetigo
Impetigo is a type of skin infection that is contagious i.e. it gets transferred from one person to another at a faster rate. Its symptoms include the appearance of red sores around the mouth, nose, hands, as well as feet. Some days later, the sores burst and give rise to golden crusts.
As impetigo commonly affects infants and children, it is essential to treat it immediately but safely. Therefore, antibiotic-containing ointments or creams are required. Bacitracin zinc ointment and mupirocin creams or ointments are good options in this regard.
Contraindications of Bacitracin Zinc Ointment
The use of bacitracin zinc ointment should be avoided under the following conditions:
· Do not use bacitracin products if you are allergic to bacitracin, mineral oil, or petroleum jelly.
· Do not apply bacitracin first-aid antibiotic ointment on animal bites.
· Do not use bacitracin zinc ointment on deep skin or punctured wounds.
· Bacitracin zinc ointment is not for severe and deeper burns.
· The use of bacitracin zinc ointment should be avoided on injuries affecting larger areas of the skin.
Bottom Line
Bacitracin zinc ointment is one of the widely used external use products when it comes to minor cuts, scrapes, abrasive damage, or first-degree burns. The reason behind its utilization is that the bacitracin zinc ointment uses a mechanism where it covers the wound and thus blocks the entry of microbes into the site of injury. As a result, the chances of getting an infection are significantly lowered.
The most common bacitracin zinc ointment uses include its application on minor cuts, burns, impetigo, skin infections, sunburn, diaper rashes, scrapes, as well as eczema. In all of these cases, the product performs well by providing rapid relief to the patients. For purchasing bacitracin zinc ointment, reliable vendors like Health Supply 770 should be approached. They ensure the provision of quality products along with satisfactory services.
PhD Scholar (Pharmaceutics), MPhil (Pharmaceutics), Pharm D, B. Sc.
Uzma Zafar is a dedicated and highly motivated pharmaceutical professional currently pursuing her PhD in Pharmaceutics at the Punjab University College of Pharmacy, University of the Punjab. With a comprehensive academic and research background, Uzma has consistently excelled in her studies, securing first division throughout her educational journey.
Uzma’s passion for the pharmaceutical field is evident from her active engagement during her Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D) program, where she not only mastered industrial techniques and clinical case studies but also delved into marketing strategies and management skills.
