Erythromycin ointment is widely used in various diseases and scenarios, and is almost a necessary and commonly used ointment in every household. But in reality, most of these scenarios are abuses. Under the promotion of some bloggers, erythromycin ointment is regarded as a "panacea" for mosquito bites, eczema, acne, athlete's foot, daily skincare, and even many people use it to apply to babies' "red buttocks" (diaper rash). How should this' universal medicine 'be used? ↓↓↓ 01. Common abuse scenarios of erythromycin ointment ■ Baby's "red butt" (diaper rash) "red butt" is a common term for diaper dermatitis, also known as diaper rash. This is a common infantile skin disease, mainly characterized by redness and inflammation of the skin in the diaper coverage area, which may be accompanied by rash, erosion or peeling. In the vast majority of cases, it is not recommended to use erythromycin ointment alone to treat "red buttocks". The most essential elements for treating diaper rash are moisturizing, reducing irritation, and anti-inflammatory. The key points are as follows: strengthen the application of moisturizing milk/cream; Reduce diaper wearing time; Timely removal of feces/urine; And apply corresponding anti-inflammatory ointment according to the severity of inflammation. The specific measures are to change diapers, gently wipe the skin clean with wet wipes/towels, and promptly apply moisturizing lotion; In addition, symptomatic topical medications such as zinc oxide ointment and dexamethasone cream can be selected based on the severity of inflammation. In addition, there is a certain probability of secondary bacterial and fungal infections in "red buttocks". If secondary infections occur, anti infective treatment is needed. Pay attention to skin inflammation ≠ infection, and anti infection treatment ≠ anti-inflammatory treatment. Skin inflammation is an immune response of the skin, which may be a response to certain irritants or damages (such as ultraviolet radiation), or it may be an autoimmune abnormality. Skin infection is a disease caused by the invasion of microorganisms (such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites) into the skin. Mosquito bites can be understood as allergic reactions caused by insect bites. If there is a serious mosquito bite, the doctor will ask the patient to take oral anti allergy medication, or may apply topical corticosteroid ointment according to the situation to prevent inflammation, promote rash disappearance, and relieve itching. Most bites will disappear on their own even if left untreated. Erythromycin ointment neither relieves itching nor anti-inflammatory, but only reduces the risk of bite infection. Eczema is the most common chronic and recurrent inflammatory skin disease, with the pathological core of non infectious inflammation of the skin. The treatment core is moisturizing and anti-inflammatory. The effect of erythromycin ointment in eczema is approximately equivalent to Vaseline. Acne, also known as acne, is the most common chronic and recurrent inflammatory skin disease. Its pathogenesis includes abnormal sebaceous gland function, blockage of sebaceous gland ducts, abnormal proliferation of microorganisms such as Propionibacterium acnes, and inflammatory reactions. Acne rashes are classified according to their severity into whiteheads, blackheads, red papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts. Each type corresponds to different topical measures, and it is not generalized to only use one type of antibiotic ointment. Foot athlete's foot is actually a fungal infection of the foot skin that requires antifungal treatment, and erythromycin has no significant antifungal effect. What are the reasons behind the phenomenon of abuse? The main components of erythromycin ointment include 1% to 2% erythromycin, Vaseline, lanolin, and liquid paraffin. Erythromycin inhibits bacterial protein synthesis to combat Gram positive bacteria and some Gram negative bacteria. In short, it is antibacterial. Vaseline, lanolin, and liquid paraffin are combined to create an ointment with moderate extensibility and adhesion, achieving moisturizing effects. Overall, the efficacy of erythromycin ointment is a moisturizing cream with anti infective properties. So the applicable scenarios are often those with clear mild infections (such as impetigo) and the treatment of small area burns/injuries. It is undeniable that erythromycin ointment has the following advantages: low price (multiple products on online shopping platforms do not exceed 3 yuan); It is an over-the-counter (OTC) drug that can be obtained at pharmacies/online stores without the need for a doctor's prescription; Has good sealing properties and can create a moist healing environment. But erythromycin ointment is not a "panacea". What are the applicable scenarios for erythromycin ointment? When is the best application scenario for erythromycin ointment? The answer is to treat small area burns/injuries. Minor scratches, bumps, and shallow wounds can be disinfected with iodine and cleaned with physiological saline before applying erythromycin ointment. For minor burns, immediately cool them thoroughly with cold water and apply erythromycin ointment to prevent infection. It is not recommended to use it continuously for more than one week. For other scenarios, especially for rashes with unclear causes, precise medication should be administered after a clear diagnosis. (New Society)