Erythromycin Ointment Uses

Erythromycin ointment is an antibiotic used to kill or prevent the grown of bacteria by slowing the production of proteins the bacteria need to survive. The drug erythromycin is used to treat many bacterial infections, including bronchitis, diphtheria, pertussis, pneumonia and rheumatic fever. When administered as an ointment, however, erythromycin should only be used externally to treat skin infections or acne. The medication needs to be prescribed by a doctor, who will provide specific directions on how to use the drug.

Acne

• Erythromycin ointment is typically prescribed for patients suffering from acne. While teenage patients are the most likely to experience acne, it is not unusual for patients in their mid to late 20s to experience breakouts. Acne can appear on the skin in many forms, including congested pores, whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, pustules or cysts. Drug-store ointments and face washes are widely available, but those who suffer from severe cases of acne should seek a prescription from their doctor.

  Erythromycin ointment helps reduce the bacteria that cause acne, therefore reducing the number of pimples and helping breakouts to disappear faster. Users should apply a thin layer of the ointment, usually twice each day, being sure to use the medication regularly at the same times each day to gain the most benefits from it. Applying too much of the medication will not help the acne clear up faster; rather it will increase the risk for adverse side affects. Patients may need to use the medication for up to three months before noticing results, but they should inform their doctor if the condition worsens or does not get better over time.

Prevention of Newborn Eye Infections

• Erythromycin ointment is also commonly used on newborns. Shortly after babies are born, nurses may apply the ointment in between the newborn's eyes to prevent the formation of eye infections, which are a major cause of childhood blindness. Eye infections in newborns are typically caused by the same bacteria that cause gonorrhea or chlamydia in women. Many women have these infections without experiencing symptoms, and newborns are exposed to the bacteria as they travel through the birth canal.

Pink Eye

• Doctors will occasionally prescribe erythromycin ointment for the treatment of pink eye, or a redness or swelling of the membrane lining the eyelid that can be caused by a bacteria. The ointment is carefully applied to the lower eyelid to help kill the infection.