Ointments for an open wound

The main problem with open wounds is the difficulty of healing. Such injuries take a long time to heal, and the risk of infection is very high. Most often, treatment consists of washing and bandaging the injured tissue, followed by drying with a dry sterile napkin. After this, the next step may be applying a healing drug - for example, an ointment. An ointment for an open wound will create a protective film on its surface, which will prevent infection from entering from the outside.

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Indications for use

Ointments for open wounds are used in two cases:

• for the treatment of dry wounds (without oozing);
• for lubricating the edges of weeping and purulent wounds.

It is not recommended to completely cover a wet wound with ointment, as the drug blocks oxygen access to damaged tissues and prevents the free exit of serous fluid. As a result, an environment will form on the surface that slows down wound healing. If you treat only the edges of a wet wound, this will allow the wound to "breathe", and at the same time reduce the risk of pathogens getting deep into the damage.

The process of treating an open wound can be lengthy, and the patient must be prepared for this. As a rule, the therapy is not limited to the use of ointment alone: the approach to solving the problem must be comprehensive. The stages of treatment should include:

• superficial wound healing;
• restoration of deep tissue layers;
• scarring;
• resorption of scar tissue.

Only a doctor - a surgeon or traumatologist - can determine the complete treatment plan for an open wound, so self-medication is highly undesirable.

Names of ointments for open wounds

	Baneocin	Levomekol	Solcoseryl	Eplan
Pharmacodynamics	Active ingredients: bacitracin and neomycin. Complex antibiotic ointment with a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity.	A complex ointment for purulent open wounds, combining the action of chloramphenicol and methyluracil. It has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects.	Healing ointment for open wounds. Stimulates tissue regeneration, increases collagen production. Suitable for difficult-to-heal wounds. Does not have antimicrobial properties.	Relieves itching, swelling, pain, kills germs.
Pharmacokinetics	The active components are not absorbed into the bloodstream, but their concentration in tissues is high.	Easily penetrates into tissue layers, regardless of the presence of pus or dead cells on the surface.	Does not enter the systemic circulation.	Does not affect organs and systems.
Using Ointments for Open Wounds During Pregnancy	Allowed, but only after consultation with a doctor.	Short-term use only on small surfaces is acceptable.	Use with caution during pregnancy.	Only under the supervision of a physician.
Contraindications for use	Tendency to allergies, large wound area, excretory and cardiovascular disorders.	Tendency to allergies to the components of the ointment.	Excessive sensitivity of the body.	Allergy to the composition of the ointment.
Side effects of ointments for open wounds	Rarely – allergy, dryness, itching, decreased urination.	Allergic phenomena.	Allergy, burning at the site of application.	Not described.
Method of administration and dosage	Apply a small amount of the preparation up to 3 times a day. If necessary, it can be used under a bandage.	Used to apply gauze pads or inject directly into the wound using a syringe. The dressings are repeated every day until the wound is completely clean.	Apply to the wound after preliminary cleaning and disinfection, 1-2 times a day, until completely healed.	Apply externally to wounds, adding as it is absorbed until completely healed.
Overdose of ointments for an open wound	Increased side effects.	Unlikely.	Not noted.	No information.
Interactions with other drugs	Concomitant use with furosemide, cephalosporins and aminoglycosides is not recommended due to increased toxic effects on the kidneys.	Not described.	Not installed.	Not described.
Storage conditions	At room temperature.	Does not require special storage conditions.	At room temperature.	In a cool place.
Best before date	3 years.	3 years.	Up to 5 years.	Up to 5 years.

Pain-relieving ointments for open wounds are rarely used due to their inappropriateness. As a rule, the anesthetic effect of anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial external preparations is weak. Therefore, in case of significant pain in the wound, doctors use other methods of pain relief: injections of anesthetics, blockades, injection and oral administration of analgesics.

It is worth noting that for quick healing, before applying the ointment, it is necessary to properly treat the wound surface. It is strictly forbidden to apply ointment to an untreated wound.

You should also stop using the ointment on an open wound if:

• if there is a clear change in the color and smell of discharge from the wound;
• if the size of the damage increases after applying the ointment;
• in case of a sharp increase in pain;
• when throbbing pain occurs;
• if redness and swelling appear around the wound;
• when the temperature rises.

An ointment for an open wound can be easily purchased at any pharmacy, but such a drug should only be prescribed by a doctor.