We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Are the Different Uses of Antibiotic Cream?

By Anna B. Smith
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 7,278
Share

The different uses of antibiotic cream can include the topical prevention of mild skin infections, the treatment of rashes that result from allergic reactions, and the reduction in appearance of acne. The cream acts as a preventative that discourages the growth of new bacteria in potentially vulnerable patches of skin. Each type of use typically requires a unique formulation of antibiotic ingredients in the cream, some of which are only available as prescriptions from doctors.

The most common use for antibiotic cream is as a preventative for minor skin infections. It is sold over the counter in drugstores primarily in cream or powder form and can be applied directly to the affected skin. When using this product to treat a wound, such as a minor burn, scrape, or cut, consumers should first disinfect the area with rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide. The cream or powder can then be spread over the area to discourage the growth of bacteria.

Prescription antibiotic cream is occasionally recommended by doctors in the treatment of certain types of rashes. Poison ivy, poison oak, and sumac are common plants with which individuals may come in contact while hiking or biking in wooded areas. These plants can cause a severe allergic reaction of the skin, and are spread quickly by skin and clothing that have picked up the oils of the plant. Severe rashes may be treated with prescription corticosteroids, which are creams that are designed to be spread across the affected areas and can reduce swelling, inflammation, and itching sensations. Antibiotics may be additionally prescribed, both orally and topically, for rashes in which a person has scratched off several layers of skin and is in danger of becoming infected.

Some forms of acne may be treated using acne formulated antibiotic cream. This type of medication is typically prescribed by a doctor and is not available for over the counter purchase. These creams are designed to penetrate the pores and fine hair follicles of the face and eradicate the various forms of acne bacteria which may be found there. Bacteria which is allowed to remain in pores and hair follicles can become infected, clog the skin, and create red swollen patches on the face, as well as white and black heads. The antibiotic ingredients may also be combined with a mild skin exfoliator which works to peel away the uppermost dead layers of damaged skin to reveal new, healthier skin beneath.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-are-the-different-uses-of-antibiotic-cream.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.