^

Health

Ointments for festering wounds

, medical expert
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
Fact-checked
х

All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.

We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.

If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.

Wounds, including those with purulent contents, are most often treated with antiseptics with anti-inflammatory and disinfectant properties. However, not everyone knows that there is also an ointment for purulent wounds - usually its effect is longer, which is important for high-quality healing of the wound surface. Modern ointments have a bactericidal effect and a minimum number of side effects, which allows them to be used almost without restrictions.

trusted-source[ 1 ], [ 2 ], [ 3 ], [ 4 ]

Indications ointments for festering wounds

Purulent wounds can be open and closed, serous-infiltrative and purulent-necrotic. The purulent process can be gangrenous in nature, or proceed as an abscess or phlegmon.

The most common purulent skin lesions for which ointments can be used are:

  • boils, both single and multiple, forming in the form of furunculosis;
  • carbuncles, accompanied by the release of purulent-necrotic masses;
  • abscesses are focal purulent inflammatory processes in tissues that develop with the formation of a pyogenic capsule;
  • phlegmon – inflammatory purulent processes inside adipose tissue;
  • other minor purulent processes of superficial tissues.

To treat the listed wounds and diseases, choose an ointment that has the ability to draw out purulent masses and stop the inflammatory process without interfering with the trophism and respiration of the skin layers.

trusted-source[ 5 ], [ 6 ], [ 7 ]

Release form

This form of the drug, such as ointment, usually has a soft structure and helps to form a smooth, continuous and durable protective film on the wound surface. In the case of purulent wounds, the film should not prevent oxygen from entering the wound.

The ointment is more stable when applied than aseptic liquid, since even with a strong increase in temperature it turns into a thick suspension without signs of pronounced fluidity. In addition, the ointment for purulent wounds has, in addition to medicinal, also a resorptive effect. At the same time, the thick form allows achieving a high concentration of medicinal components on the skin surface and deep in the tissues.

Using ointment for purulent wounds is simple and safe, unlike injections and internal preparations. At the same time, the external thick agent is more economical when applied.

Of course, not all ointments can be used to treat purulent wounds, since most of these preparations create a significant "greenhouse" effect, which prevents the healing of damage. But there are special external agents intended specifically for the corresponding skin pathologies.

Names of ointments for purulent wounds

Ointments for purulent wounds must meet the following requirements:

  • destroy the infection inside the wound;
  • promote the cleansing of the wound from pus and dead tissue;
  • inhibit the development of the inflammatory process;
  • do not interfere with the free flow of pus;
  • create a barrier to prevent the entry of additional external infection.

At the first stage of healing (usually on the third day), it is possible to use water-based ointments, such as Levomekol, Dioxin 5%, Sulfamekol, etc.

On a cleaned wound, drugs that suppress bacterial growth and activate regeneration processes are used to restore damaged tissue. To speed up the formation of high-quality granulation, it is possible to apply ointments with antibiotics, such as Gentamicin, Tetracycline, etc.

There are also universal combination ointments for purulent wounds, which are characterized by stimulating healing and eliminating the formation of pus. Among such preparations, the most famous are Vishnevsky ointment, Levomethoxin and Oxycyclozole. These medications are especially often used under bandages to stimulate the formation of scar tissue.

Ointment for healing purulent wounds

Levomekol ointment

Ichthyol ointment

Pharmacodynamics

Pharmacokinetics

Combined ointment for purulent wounds with the antibiotic chloramphenicol and the immunostimulant methyluracil.

An antiseptic with ichthyol, which has analgesic, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.

Does not enter the systemic circulation.

Using ointments for purulent wounds during pregnancy

It can be used on small areas of skin and for short periods of time.

Allowed for use by pregnant and lactating patients.

Contraindications for use

The likelihood of an allergic response in the body.

Potential for allergy, children under 12 years of age.

Side effects of ointments for purulent wounds

Allergy.

Rarely – allergy.

Method of administration and dosage

The ointment is applied to sterile gauze pads and the wound is filled with them. The recommended duration of therapy is 4 days.

Apply without rubbing, under a bandage, up to 3 times a day.

Overdose of ointments for purulent wounds

The probability is minimal.

It is considered impossible.

Interactions with other drugs

Not observed.

Simultaneous application of several external agents to one area of the skin may have an unpredictable effect.

Storage conditions and shelf life

They can be stored for up to 3.5 years under normal conditions.

Store in a dark place for up to 5 years.

Antibiotic ointment for purulent wounds

Gentamicin ointment

Lincomycin

Pharmacodynamics

Pharmacokinetics

Ointment with a broad-spectrum antibiotic. Kinetic properties have not been studied.

An antibiotic of the lincosamide group.

Using ointments for purulent wounds during pregnancy

Contraindicated.

Contraindicated.

Contraindications for use

Allergy, pregnancy.

Pregnancy, breastfeeding, allergic sensitivity.

Side effects of ointments for purulent wounds

Allergic manifestations.

Allergic manifestations, candidiasis.

Method of administration and dosage

Apply to a previously cleaned wound up to 3 times a day.

Spread a thin layer on the affected area of the skin. The duration of the course is determined by the doctor.

Overdose of ointments for purulent wounds

No information provided.

Not observed.

Interactions with other drugs

Concomitant use with antibiotics with ototoxic and nephrotoxic effects is not recommended.

It is not recommended to use with other antimicrobial agents on the same skin area.

Storage conditions and shelf life

Store in a cool place for up to 2 years.

Store for 3 years in a cool place.

Ointment for enzymatic wound cleansing

Iruksol

Pharmacodynamics

Pharmacokinetics

Ointment for purulent wounds based on clostridiopeptidase and chloramphenicol. Provides enzymatic cleansing of the wound surface without negative side effects. Accelerates granulation processes.

Using ointments for purulent wounds during pregnancy

Allowed under physician supervision.

Contraindications for use

Blood diseases, tendency to allergic reactions.

Side effects of ointments for purulent wounds

Rarely - short-term transient burning sensation.

Method of administration and dosage

Apply to wet wounds once a day, distributing over the entire wound surface.

Overdose of ointments for purulent wounds

There have been no recorded cases of overdose.

Interactions with other drugs

Simultaneous use with any other external agents is excluded.

Storage conditions and shelf life

Store in a cool place for up to 5 years.

trusted-source[ 8 ], [ 9 ]

Altai homemade ointments for rotting wounds

Traditional medicine, based on the knowledge of famous Altai herbalists, also offers its recipes for accelerating the healing of purulent wounds. However, despite assurances of the effectiveness of Altai folk remedies, we would not recommend using them to treat extensive purulent skin lesions.

  • Wound healing agent with lingonberry:
    • 2 tbsp. l. yarrow herbs;
    • 1 tbsp. St. John's wort;
    • up to 10 lingonberries.

An infusion of the herbs listed should be prepared. The berries are boiled and rubbed. For the procedure, a gauze napkin is soaked with the decoction, placed on the wound, and the rubbed berries are placed on top of the napkin. Keep on the wound for up to 40 minutes.

  • Prepare the bottom leaf of aloe, a small carrot, a tablespoon of honey and melted butter. Grind the aloe with the carrot, mix with butter and honey and apply under the bandage for several hours.
  • Squeeze the juice from the lilac leaves, soak a napkin and apply to the wound several times a day.
  • Mix grape leaf juice with onion juice. Use for poultices on purulent wounds up to 3 times a day.

You should not prepare a large amount of the medicinal product at once, since the ointment does not contain preservatives and cannot be stored for a long time.

trusted-source[ 10 ], [ 11 ]

The best ointment for purulent wounds

There are many effective ointments for treating purulent wounds. Any pharmacy will offer you at least several external preparations from various companies and countries of manufacture. For example, ointments that are developed and produced in Germany, Israel, and India are considered very popular. For example, an Israeli ointment for healing purulent wounds based on Dead Sea minerals often helps to quickly cope with the problem of purulent inflammation.

However, without a doubt, the best ointment for treating purulent wounds is the ointment prescribed by a doctor. The correct prescription of the drug is based on the results of the microbial sensitivity test.

The fact is that the wrong selection of an external remedy can lead to tissue necrosis, increased proliferation of microbes, absorption of toxic substances and generalization of the process. As a result, complications such as lymphadenitis, erysipelas, sepsis, thrombophlebitis may arise. Purulent inflammation can quickly spread to other tissues. Treatment of such a complication will be many times more difficult and longer. Therefore, you should not blindly select an ointment for purulent wounds: it is better to entrust the choice to a qualified doctor.

Attention!

To simplify the perception of information, this instruction for use of the drug "Ointments for festering 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.

You are reporting a typo in the following text:
Simply click the "Send typo report" button to complete the report. You can also include a comment.