Products
Wound healing ointments are available, for example, in pharmacies and drugstores as medicines and medical products. Many different products are available.
Structure and properties
Wound healing ointments are semi-solid preparations for external use. Although they are called ointments, they also come in the form of creams and pastes. Wound gels, on the other hand, are not classified as wound healing ointments. The active ingredients they contain include:
- Vitamins: Dexpanthenol, pantothenic acid, vitamin A (retinol).
- Disinfectants: chlorhexidine, silver
- Antibiotics: Sulfadiazine (silver sulfadiazine).
- Zinc oxide
- Hyaluronic acid
- Cod liver oil
- Calendula extract (calendula)
- Hamamelis extract
- Chamomile extract
- Balms: Peru balsam, Tolu balsam
- Resins, larch turpentine
- Essential oils and their components such as camphor
In addition to the active ingredients, the ointment base is also involved in the effects, such as lanolin or petrolatum.
Effects
Wound healing ointments have wound healing, antiseptic (disinfecting), protective, skin care and anti-inflammatory properties.
Fields of application
- Small skin injuries
- Abrasions, small wounds
- Cuts, scratch wounds
- Minor burns
- Skin cracks
- Pressure marks
- Skin irritations
Dosage
According to the professional information. The means are usually applied locally one to several times a day. Beforehand, the remains of the last application should be removed. The expiration date should be observed.
Contraindications
Contraindications include:
- Hypersensitivity
- Contact with the eyes and mucous membranes
- Children, pregnancy, lactation (product-dependent).
For larger and open wounds, not all wound healing ointments are suitable. The full precautions can be found in the drug leaflet. They are dependent on the product used.
Interactions
Depending on the active ingredients and excipients, incompatibilities with other topical medicinal products may occur.
Adverse effects
Possible adverse effects include local reactions and allergies.