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Topical Ointment for Sores

Topical ointment is used in the treatment of epidermal traumas including rashes, lesions, wounds, burns, decubitus ulcers (bed sores), and cold sores. In general, topical ointments are made from a mixture of iodine, neomycin, polymyxin, bacitracin and sugar. Topical ointments are usually applied four to five times a day for four to five days.

  1. Types of Sores

    • Sores are of many types, including: bed sores, skin sores, canker sores, cold sores, abscesses and skin blisters. Some of them, like cold sores, are contagious. Sores are unsightly, painful and fluid-filled. The cause of their eruption varies. Bed sores occur when there is a pressure exerted on the skin from a bed, wheelchair or another hard object. Cold sores are due to herpes virus. The cause of canker sores could be low immunity levels, stress, iron and vitamin deficiency, or smoking.

    Uses

    • Topical ointment comes in the form of a cream. It is a fast, simple and effective solution, if applied from the start of the outbreak. Watch out for symptoms like redness, itching or a tingling sensation. Topical ointment creams are usually used several times a day for skin infections. It stops the virus and the infection from spreading to the rest of the body. This treatment will help get rid of the symptoms and prevent the sore from getting worse.

    Warning

    • It is important that you apply the ointment exactly as directed, either by your doctor or the product's packaging. The ointment is meant for external use only, so do not let it enter the nose, mouth or eyes. Avoid using it on unaffected areas of the skin. The ointment must not be combined with other skin medications and skin products, like lip balm or sunscreen, unless approved by your doctor.

    Side Effects

    • Topical ointment is not free from side effects, and some can be serious. Contact your doctor if you notice symptoms like cracked lips, stinging skin, flaky or dry skin, and especially if swelling or redness on the place where the ointment was applied does not subside. You should also contact your doctor immediately if symptoms such as a rash, hoarseness, hives, swelling of hands, feet, face, eyes or lips are noticed.

    Storage

    • Keep the ointment in the same container it was sold in. Ensure that its cap or lid is closed tightly and is kept away from children. Store the ointment at room temperature away from excessive moisture and heat. Do not keep it in your bathroom or car. Outdated ointment must be discarded after consulting your pharmacist to find out the correct disposal method.

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