Attention! Don’t use this internet celebrity “panacea” recklessly!

Erythromycin ointment, which costs as low as one or two yuan per tube, is a well-known household medicine. When encountering skin allergies, mosquito bites, burns and abrasions, eczema on the face, etc., people often think of applying it first. Recently, netizens have also discovered various methods of using erythromycin ointment and food to lighten spots and remove acne, which has caused many people to follow suit and even regarded it as a "universal magic medicine." Previously, CCTV's financial channel had reminded that erythromycin ointment is an antibiotic drug and cannot be used for a long time. Is erythromycin ointment really so easy to use? The reporter recently interviewed a dermatologist to learn about its correct use.

What exactly does erythromycin ointment contain?

"Erythromycin ointment is mostly used in bacterial infections, and it is ineffective for non-bacterial infections." Jiang Lianzhi, director of Quanzhou Dermatology Prevention and Treatment Institute, introduced that the main ingredient of erythromycin ointment is erythromycin, which belongs to the macrolide antibiotics and exerts its antibacterial effect by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis. Its excipients usually include yellow vaseline, liquid paraffin, etc. These ingredients have moisturizing and sealing effects, helping the drug to adhere to the skin surface. Jiang Lianzhi said that erythromycin ointment is only effective for infections caused by sensitive bacteria, such as Staphylococcus and Streptococcus. The drug is ineffective for fungal infections such as tinea pedis, and may even aggravate the symptoms. Clinically, the drug is often used for folliculitis, skin furuncle, etc. It has an anti-inflammatory effect when applied topically to the affected area, and it can also moisturize and promote wound healing. It has a moisturizing effect when applied to cheilitis. Of course, because vaseline is highly sticky when applied to the skin and moisturizes for a long time, the skin looks "a little oily" after application.

Does it work on minor burns and insect bites?

Ms. Liu, a citizen, told reporters that she accidentally scalded her arm with boiling water before. Blisters formed and the skin broke. She applied erythromycin, and soon a hard scab formed, which fell off in about a week. "It can be used for minor burns and abrasions, but be used with caution in severe cases." Jiang Lianzhi said that the skin mainly plays a protective role. After a small area of ​​burns and scalds, the skin structure is destroyed and blisters form, and there are micro-wounds. At this time, applying a little erythromycin eye ointment will help the wound recover, protect the skin and prevent infection. After a small area of ​​skin abrasions and mosquito bites, erythromycin ointment can be used first to let the wound scab, and then use hormone ointments such as mometasone furoate. If there are impurities such as sand on the wound after the injury, the wound must be professionally cleaned before use. If the burn is severe and pus is flowing out, do not use it, as the ointment may stick to the wound and is not conducive to healing.

Can mixing it with aloe vera, vitamin E, etc. really remove freckles?

"Erythromycin seven-day spot lightening method" "Mix erythromycin and aloe vera to remove spots"... The reporter found on the social platform that many netizens "dug out" other uses of erythromycin ointment, mixing it with toothpaste, aloe vera, white vinegar, vitamin E and other foods or vitamins to lighten spots, which attracted many people to follow suit. "There is a lack of clinical research support for the use of erythromycin ointment and food to remove spots, and there is a risk of skin damage and allergies." Jiang Lianzhi said that when it comes to the complex causes of spots, it is necessary to differentiate which type it is. If it is clinically common freckles, coffee spots, etc., it can only be treated with targeted treatments such as laser surgery, and it cannot be cured by local mixed formulas alone. If diagnosed as chloasma or post-inflammatory pigmentation, it may generally heal slowly. However, erythromycin ointment has no direct function of inhibiting melanin or regulating skin metabolism. Long-term abuse may cause bacterial resistance or contact dermatitis. He mentioned that erythromycin ointment, as a drug, has certain concentration requirements for use. If it is mixed with other things, the concentration is reduced, which affects the anti-inflammatory effect. If it is used for moisturizing and moisturizing, mixing and using it will have no effect. Vitamin E cream is used clinically. Vitamin E has antioxidant properties and has a certain effect on moisturizing the skin, but it should not be used together with erythromycin ointment. White vinegar and lemon are highly acidic. Too frequent use may cause sensitivity, redness, and even increased pigmentation. Natural ingredients such as aloe vera and honey may induce allergic reactions if used directly without purification. Most of the so-called online tutorials do not specify the mixing ratio, frequency of use, etc. Blindly copying them may damage the skin due to excessive concentration or improper operation. He suggested that professional dermatologists should be consulted for the treatment of pigmentation. If citizens want to try "folk remedies", it is recommended to first test a small area locally and consult a professional physician.

Will applying this solution be effective for baby’s red bottom or eczema?

Some netizens mentioned that their children had red buttocks or eczema on their faces, and after applying it on the first day, they felt much better the next day.

Jiang Lianzhi said that when a child has a red bottom, it is usually caused by diaper rash or candida infection, which causes ulceration. If it is caused by bacterial infection, parents can use it together with ointment as an auxiliary medication under the guidance of a doctor, which can inhibit bacterial growth, reduce inflammation, and help relieve the symptoms of red bottom. Medication should be used under the guidance of a doctor, and the dosage and frequency of drug use should be followed. Be careful not to overdose to avoid burdening the skin. If the baby develops redness, swelling, itching, etc. after application, it should be discontinued immediately. In addition, most patients with atopic dermatitis have Staphylococcus aureus colonization, and the use of erythromycin ointment as prescribed by the doctor can suppress the disease. Some netizens said that after having hemorrhoids, they tried to apply an ointment and felt much more comfortable. Is this true? Jiang Lianzhi said that if there are small wounds in anal fissures in the early stage of hemorrhoids, erythromycin ointment can play a certain repair role, but it has no effect on the treatment of hemorrhoids.

Can onychomycosis be eliminated by applying erythromycin ointment?

Onychomycosis has troubled many citizens. Some netizens posted that they had personally tested that applying erythromycin ointment was effective in removing onychomycosis. In this regard, Jiang Lianzhi said that we should not easily believe the statement that "erythromycin ointment can cure onychomycosis". Onychomycosis is caused by fungal infections such as Trichophyton rubrum and yeast, while erythromycin ointment is only effective against bacteria, cannot inhibit or kill fungi, and has no direct therapeutic effect on onychomycosis. Erythromycin ointment cannot replace antifungal drugs, and onychomycosis requires standardized treatment. After onychomycosis, the nails lack the function of protecting the skin and are prone to induce paronychia. When combined with bacterial infection, erythromycin ointment can be used as an auxiliary treatment method. For example, if onychomycosis causes bacterial infections such as redness, swelling, suppuration, etc., it can be applied locally after disinfection to relieve inflammation. Jiang Lianzhi reminded that onychomycosis should be treated as soon as possible after a clear diagnosis. Delaying treatment after fungal infection is easy to spread and aggravate the condition. What is the difference between erythromycin ointment and erythromycin eye ointment?

In addition to erythromycin ointment, there is also erythromycin eye ointment on the market. Many netizens said that they can't tell the difference between the two. Jiang Lianzhi introduced that compared with ointment, erythromycin eye ointment has finer particles and a concentration of 0.5%. It is often used for bacterial infections of the eyes, such as trachoma, conjunctivitis and other external eye infections. The excipients are milder to reduce irritation to the eye mucosa. ‌Erythromycin ointment has a concentration of 1% and is suitable for skin infections. The two cannot be mixed, otherwise the concentration or sterility requirements may not meet the insufficient efficacy or infection risks. However, if it is a fungal infection, erythromycin eye ointment will not work, and it is best to go to the hospital for treatment.
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