Antiseptic ointments

Antiseptic ointments – medicines for external (local) use, which are prescribed for the prevention and treatment of purulent-inflammatory processes. These drugs are effective against most pathogens, i.e. have a wide spectrum of action, without showing selectivity. Antiseptic ointments can be applied to the skin and mucous membranes.

The action of antiseptic ointments

These drugs delay the development of microorganisms, affecting proteins, enzyme systems of microbial cells, or causing their death. As a result, the infection is eliminated, the development of the inflammatory process is stopped or prevented, and the damage is healed as soon as possible.

The activity of antiseptic ointments depends on their concentration, duration of exposure, ambient temperature, the presence of organic substances in the treated environment, the sensitivity of infectious agents, etc. Unlike liquid antiseptics, antiseptic ointments are well absorbed and linger for a long time in damaged tissues, acting for a long time and not overdrying the treated surfaces.

Antiseptic ointments – indications for use

Antiseptic ointments are recommended for use in the following cases:

• cuts;
• abrasions;
• burns;
• insect bites;
• infected bedsores;
• ulcers;
• eczema;
• pustular skin diseases;
• cracked nipples in nursing mothers;
• boils;
• carbuncles;
• acne, etc.

Antiseptic ointments – names

Since several groups of drugs are distinguished among antiseptics depending on the type of chemical compounds, antiseptic ointments for wounds and other injuries may contain various active substances. In addition, components with regenerative and anti-inflammatory properties are often introduced into these products. Therefore, the list of antiseptic ointments is quite wide. Here is a list of those drugs that are most widely used:

• Bepanten plus (active ingredients – chlorhexidine and panthenol);



• Wilkinson’s ointment (tar, calcium carbonate, naftalan ointment, green soap);
• Betadine (polyvidone iodide);
• Vishnevsky ointment (tar, xeroform, castor oil);
• Boro plus cream (herbal antibacterial ingredients – aloe, turmeric, sandalwood, etc.);
• balm Rescuer (natural components – essential oils of tea tree and lavender, sea buckthorn oil, calendula extract, etc.);
• Boric ointment (boric acid);
• Dr. Theiss calendula ointment (calendula flower extract).