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Health

Ointments for open wounds

, medical expert
Last reviewed: 03.07.2025
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For open wounds, treatment should be aimed at restoring damaged cells and tissues. Ointment for open wounds can be used a few days after the injury, but it is better to use wound healing agents in another form at first.

With proper treatment, such wounds heal quite quickly; ointments for healing are usually used - baneocin, levomekol, solcoseryl, eplan, etc.

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Indications for use of ointment for open wounds

The ointment for open wounds is indicated for abscesses, burns, furunculosis, trophic ulcers, bedsores, eczema, insect bites and other skin damage.

Pharmacodynamics

The ointment is used locally for open wounds. It has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial effects, and promotes tissue regeneration.

Pharmacokinetics

The ointment penetrates deep into the tissue layers for open wounds without damaging cell membranes, and promotes tissue regeneration processes. Some preparations retain their antibacterial effect in the presence of pus and necrotic masses.

Method of administration and dosage

The ointment for open wounds is used externally only, apply a thin layer of ointment to the wound, repeat the procedure several times a day, the duration of treatment depends on the severity of the injury, the condition of the wound (clean, contaminated, purulent, etc.). For deep, lacerated, purulent wounds, a gauze napkin soaked in ointment is applied to the damaged area. In case of suppuration, the ointment can be administered using a drainage tube and syringe. Dressings must be done daily until the wound condition improves.

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Names of ointments for open wounds

For open wounds, ointments containing an antibiotic are suitable - Levomekol, Maramistin, Betadine, Levosin, Nitacid, Streptolaven (usually prescribed for trophic ulcers and burns).

An ointment for open wounds with an analgesic property is also necessary for the treatment of such lesions - Trimecaine or Methyluracil are most often prescribed for this purpose.

It is worth remembering that it is contraindicated to use ointment on open wounds for the first 2-3 days, since the consistency of the ointments interferes with the process of natural cleansing and separation of inflammatory fluid.

The following ointments will help speed up the process of skin restoration: Bepanten, D-Panthenol, Actovegin, Solcoseryl, Astroderm.

Actovegin and Solcoseryl stimulate cell growth and collagen synthesis due to the natural biological component they contain, as a result of which wounds heal quickly.

Wound healing ointments for open wounds

The most common wound healing agent is Panthenol. It contains many vitamins, which ensures normal metabolism in skin cells and helps restore tissue.

Baneocin effectively destroys microbes, it contains 2 antibiotics that have a powerful bactericidal effect. The ointment is suitable for open wounds, burns, deep injuries, and is also used after operations to treat sutures.

Levomekol helps with inflammatory non-sterile wounds; the product penetrates well to the site of infection and destroys bacteria.

Solcoseryl, Actovegin - developed on the basis of calf blood, help to accelerate tissue regeneration processes, and also slightly reduce pain.

Eplan effectively destroys infection, helps reduce pain, and speeds up tissue regeneration. The drug's special feature is that it does not contain hormones or antibiotics, so Eplan can be used for diabetes, hormonal imbalances, and in childhood.

Fast healing ointment for open wounds

Eplan ointment is a universal preparation and can be used not only for wounds, but also for burns, ulcers, dermatitis. The product has a powerful bactericidal effect, so it is recommended to apply it to fresh injuries that have been contaminated with dirt. However, this product is contraindicated for bleeding wounds, since the drugs included in the composition impair blood clotting.

Solcoseryl ointment for open wounds has a fast healing effect, it is suitable for treating uncontaminated wounds. The ointment is applied several times a day, the product helps prevent wound infection and speed up the restoration of the skin.

Levomekol also helps the skin recover faster, the product should be applied under a bandage. It is used for non-sterile wounds with signs of inflammation. The active components of the ointment quickly penetrate the lesion, destroy the infection and relieve inflammation.

Baneocin also belongs to the series of fast-healing agents. The ointment has a bactericidal effect, relieves inflammation and is recommended for wounds and burns of varying severity. The composition of the drug includes 2 antibiotics that effectively resist infection.

Ointment for open purulent wounds

When open wounds become infected, ointments with an antiseptic effect that draw out pus are very helpful.

Several drugs can be distinguished in this group:

  • Ichthyol ointment effectively destroys microbes and has an analgesic effect. The active component, ichthyol, draws out purulent contents and accelerates the healing process, but also relieves the unpleasant symptoms of a purulent wound (itching, redness, etc.). Ichthyol was obtained by distilling shale and has been used in medicine since the end of the 19th century. It is recommended to apply the product in the form of compresses that need to be changed every 8-10 hours - apply the ointment to a piece of gauze or bandage and apply it to the wound, cover with parchment on top and secure with adhesive tape.
  • Vishnevsky ointment is a common remedy for purulent wounds, but the antiseptic effect of the drug is quite weak, the main action is aimed at accelerating the "maturation" of the abscess and drawing out the pus. With open wounds, the ointment helps to draw out the pus, and also helps to speed up healing. The product should be applied in the form of compresses.
  • Syntomycion ointment contains an antibiotic, recommended for poorly healing wounds, ulcers, boils, burns. This product is also recommended for use after shaving to prevent the appearance of abscesses, however, with regular use, addiction is possible, so it is better to use the ointment only if necessary.
  • Streptocide ointment contains sulfanilamide, which has a bactericidal effect. The product cannot be used in case of renal failure, kidney disease, pregnancy.
  • Levomekol contains an antibiotic and an immunostimulant and is a combination drug that accelerates tissue regeneration. The ointment is used for wound decay and inflammation, ulcers, and furuncles.

Before applying any ointment, the wound surface should be pre-treated with hydrogen peroxide, chlorhexidine or another antiseptic.

Ointment for open wounds with antibiotic

For difficult-to-heal wounds and the appearance of pus, it is recommended to use strong medications that contain antibiotics.

One of the most effective remedies is Iruksol ointment, which includes a broad-spectrum antibiotic (chloramphenicol), as well as a proteolytic enzyme.

Due to its combined composition, the preparation cleans, destroys microbes and promotes the restoration of damaged tissues. Iruksol can be used for wounds of any size that are difficult to heal. Indications for use are bedsores, varicose ulcers, necrosis, gangrene, frostbite, subcutaneous ulcers.

Apply the ointment to the damaged area (it is recommended to slightly moisten the wound before applying). You cannot use other medications with Iruksol, since the therapeutic effect can be significantly reduced; it is contraindicated to use tetracycline and gramicidin agents simultaneously. In case of severe irritation, you can treat the edges of the wound with zinc ointment.

Iruksol is not recommended for use by pregnant and lactating women; side effects include allergic reactions and irritation at the site of application.

Ointment for healing open dry wounds

For open wounds that begin to become covered with a dry crust, it is recommended to use Solcoseryl ointment, which covers the wound with a thin film and prevents infection; the active components of the drug also participate in the tissue regeneration process.

A distinctive feature of Solcoseryl is that it helps to avoid the formation of scars at the site of injury.

The drug is not contraindicated for pregnant and lactating women.

The ointment for open wounds should be applied several times a day, if necessary, a sterile bandage should be placed over the wound.

Antiseptic ointments for open wounds

An ointment for open wounds with an antiseptic effect is indicated for purulent, difficult-to-heal skin lesions. Antiseptics not only help reduce unpleasant symptoms (itching, pain, redness, swelling), but also draw out pus from the wound, cleanse it of infection and speed up the tissue regeneration process.

The most effective antiseptic ointments are ichthyol and streptocide.

Ichthyol ointment relieves inflammation, relieves pain and prevents wound decay; it is used locally for burns, eczema, neuralgia and joint pain.

After application, it is recommended to cover the damaged area with a bandage.

Avoid allowing the product to come into contact with mucous membranes (eyes, mouth, etc.); during feeding, it is important to ensure that the ointment does not come into contact with the nipples.

The course of treatment is determined individually in each case, depending on the severity and nature of the injury.

Side effects include the development of allergic reactions, including urticaria, itching, rash, usually this happens at the very beginning of use or with prolonged use of the drug.

If there is an increased reaction to the components of the drug, it is recommended to stop using the ointment; the drug is also not prescribed to children under 12 years of age.

Ichthyol ointment is not used together with other similar agents that contain alkaloids, iodine salts and heavy metals.

Streptocide ointment is an effective antimicrobial drug that, when used regularly, suppresses the growth of pathogenic microorganisms.

Prescribed for purulent and ulcerative skin lesions, burns, wounds and cracks.

Do not use in case of intolerance to salfanilamide, kidney dysfunction, porphyria, during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and in childhood.

Allergic reactions may develop during treatment.

Before application, the wound should be thoroughly cleaned; if necessary, a sterile bandage should be applied after application. The duration of treatment depends on the nature and severity of the wound.

Streptocide ointment is not used simultaneously with drugs that contain digitoxin, hydrochloric acid, phenobarbital, caffeine, metazon, adrenaline hydrochloride.

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Wound healing ointments for open wounds after surgery

Wound healing ointment for open wounds helps not only to restore damaged tissues, but also to relieve inflammation and anesthetize the wound. Such preparations improve tissue metabolism and promote rapid healing.

In addition, the use of drugs in this group helps reduce the likelihood of leaving scars.

It is best to have a universal remedy in your home medicine cabinet that can be used for various wounds - burns, cuts, abrasions or scratches.

For example, Baneocin ointment with two antibiotics has a fairly strong bactericidal effect and is suitable for deep injuries and burns.

Levomekol ointment is no less popular, which helps to cure non-sterile wounds, especially if an inflammatory process has begun. Active substances penetrate deep into the wound and destroy pathogenic bacteria.

Eplan ointment has good wound healing properties and has a wide range of action – the ointment is used for open wounds, burns, purulent ulcers, and dermatitis.

Wound healing ointments for open wounds for children

Children, due to their activity, curiosity and irrepressible vital energy, can easily get injured. In case of small wounds (abrasions, scratches), as well as minor sunburns or household burns, treatment can be carried out at home.

Deep (especially contaminated) wounds, animal bites, burns with an area approximately the size of 3 adult palms, especially with the formation of blisters, require examination by a specialist.

Before applying a wound-healing ointment to open wounds, the injured area should be treated with any antiseptic (hydrogen peroxide, miramistin solution, potassium permanganate).

The following medications are suitable for children:

  • 10% Methyluracil ointment – improves tissue metabolism, promotes the acceleration of new skin cell growth, relieves inflammation. The ointment is suitable for use from the first days of a child’s life.

The active components of the preparation are not absorbed into the blood, they act exclusively at the site of application. The ointment is recommended for 1st or 2nd degree burns, shallow wounds (especially those that do not heal for a long time), skin inflammations, including diaper rash.

The ointment is applied 2-3 times a day, the duration of treatment is no more than 20 days. The product usually does not cause side effects, sometimes allergies and dizziness are observed. If there is intolerance to the components that are part of the ointment, use is contraindicated.

  • Solcoseryl (analogue of Actovegin) promotes rapid restoration of the epithelium, wound healing. Extract from calf blood (active substance of the drug) improves metabolic processes in tissues, blood circulation, increases oxygen supply. The drug is suitable for use from birth, recommended for the treatment of burns (including sunburn), frostbite, long-term non-healing wounds, small ulcers, abrasions, scratches, cuts.

It is recommended to apply the ointment after drying and the appearance of bright red tissue at the site of the wound; in the first days, it is better to use Solcoseryl or Actovegin in the form of a gel. The duration of treatment is on average 2 weeks (gel for 5-7 days and ointment until complete healing).

In rare cases, rash, itching, hives and other allergic reactions may occur. If any reactions occur in a child, it is necessary to stop treatment and give antihistamines according to age.

It is worth noting that when using two or more ointments with Solcoseryl at the same time, the therapeutic effect of the latter is reduced.

  • Levomekol contains an antibiotic that is active against most pathogenic microorganisms, and a substance to accelerate tissue regeneration.

The ointment has a water-soluble base, which helps draw pus out of the wound.

Levomekol can be used after 1 year, suitable for the treatment of burns, cuts, infected or festering wounds.

Directions for use: soak a sterile gauze bandage with the ointment and apply to a cleaned and antiseptic treated wound. The bandage should be changed daily, the course of treatment is determined in each case separately, usually the ointment is stopped after red tissue appears at the site of injury or purulent masses disappear.

Use during pregnancy

The ointment for open wounds is usually allowed to be used by pregnant women, since it is not absorbed into the systemic bloodstream and does not have a negative effect on the development of the fetus and the condition of the woman.

Contraindications for use

The ointment should not be used on open wounds if there is increased sensitivity to any of the components.

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Side effects of ointment for open wounds

The ointment on open wounds may cause allergies, redness at the site of application, itching, and burning.

Overdose

There are no known cases of overdose when using the ointment on open wounds.

Interactions with other drugs

It is not recommended to use the ointment for open wounds together with other local medications, as this may reduce the therapeutic effect.

Storage conditions

Ointment for open wounds should be stored at a temperature not exceeding 25 0 C, in a place protected from children.

Best before date

Ointment for open wounds is valid for 2 to 5 years (depending on the product), do not use after the expiration date.

Attention!

To simplify the perception of information, this instruction for use of the drug "Ointments for open wounds" translated and presented in a special form on the basis of the official instructions for medical use of the drug. Before use read the annotation that came directly to medicines.

Description provided for informational purposes and is not a guide to self-healing. The need for this drug, the purpose of the treatment regimen, methods and dose of the drug is determined solely by the attending physician. Self-medication is dangerous for your health.

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