Antibiotic ointments are medications used on minor wounds, cuts, scrapes, or burns to prevent infections. They are over-the-counter medications, meaning you can buy them even without a prescription so you can stock up your first aid kit at home, in the office, or wherever you go.

The usual components of most OTC antibiotic ointments are bacitracin, polymyxin, and neomycin, which are all anti-bacterial in nature. They are used specifically for bacterial infections only and will not work on viral or fungal infections.

The primary purpose of using antibiotic ointments as first aid is to treat small wounds and prevent the onset of infection before bringing the injured to a medical professional.

Antibiotic Ointment

 

If you are confused as to what to use, let us guide you with our review of the 5 best-selling antibiotic ointments today that you can put in your first aid kit.

Top 5 Best Antibiotic Ointment

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First Aid Only Triple Antibiotic Ointment Pack

First Aid Only’s Triple Antibiotic Ointment Pack can be used to treat minor cuts, scrapes, abrasions, and burns and help prevent infection

Its active ingredients are bacitracin zinc, polymyxin B sulfates, and neomycin to provide 3-in-1 strength to kill bacteria while encouraging faster healing.

It comes in a box containing 25 individual packets that are easy and convenient to use. They are ideal as a standalone first aid or as a refill for your kit.

What users are loving about this product is the 5-year expiry that will be perfect for a standard first aid kit be it at home, in the office, or for outdoor adventures.

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Ichthammol Ointment 20%

Ichthammol Ointment 20% from Globe is an advanced formula drawing salve that is perfect for treating insect bites and bee, mosquito, and spider stings.

It also provides soothing relief to skin irritations caused by plants such as poison ivy or nettles. It is also ideal for removing slivers and splinters and treating ingrown hair and toenail.

Its active ingredients are Ichthammol USP, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, a vegetable-derived lanolin, and petrolatum.

A distinct feature that users loved about this ointment is that it is odorless. Many stated that they were more than happy to find an ichthammol ointment without the pungent smell usually associated with it.

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Neosporin Original First Aid Antibiotic Ointment Combo Pack

The Neosporin Original First Aid Antibiotic Ointment Combo Pack is an antibiotic ointment that protects wounds, relieves pain, and promotes healing so you do not have to stop working or playing. It also reduces the appearance of scars.

Its active ingredients are neomycin sulfate, polymyxin B, and bacitracin zinc and was formulated with the HeliDerm™ technology. It is a sting-free formula that provides an effective infection barrier to promote faster healing while incorporating pain and itch relief features.

It is the very first antibiotic ointment ever made and remains the number 1 doctor-recommended brand.

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Natureplex Triple Antibiotic Original Ointment

The Natureplex Triple Antibiotic Original Ointment is a topical analgesic perfect for treating minor wounds, cuts, scrapes, and burns, and as protection from bacterial infection.

Its active ingredients are bacitracin zinc, neomycin sulfate, and polymyxin B sulfate.

It is formulated to nourish the skin and reduce the appearance of scars after healing.

It comes in a 6-pack of 0.33 oz. tubes.

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Neosporin + Pain Relief Dual Action Cream

The Neosporin + Pain Relief Dual Action Cream is the trusted Neosporin antibiotic cream known for superior prevention of infection.

It contains dual-strength antibiotic ingredients with neomycin and polymyxin B for 24-hour protection. What’s amazing is it also contains pramoxine hydrochloride for maximum-strength pain relief.

It provides protection from bacterial infection plus it soothes painful cuts, burns, and scrapes to give you all-around relief. It also helps minimizes scarring after healing.

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Things to Consider When Using Antibiotic Ointments

As with any other medications, caution should always be exercised when using antibiotic ointments. There are people who exhibit allergic reactions to the active ingredients, although usually, these reactions are very mild.

Using antibiotic ointments for a prolonged period can also cause problems. It can lead to other infections that may be different and more difficult to treat than the first injury.

If the patient’s condition worsens or does not improve despite the antibiotic treatment, it is best to consult a medical professional immediately.