cut ointment

Many topical antibiotic ointments list bacitracin zinc, neomycin sulfate, and polymyxin B as their active ingredients; these are often used alone or in combination in products for cuts.

Product instructions commonly advise applying a small amount of ointment to the affected area one to three times daily.

Some topical wound products include the local analgesic pramoxine (listed as pramoxine HCl/pramoxine hydrochloride) to help soothe pain and itching from minor wounds.

Topical wound-care options commonly appear as ointments, creams, and gels.

Petroleum-jelly–based healing jellies and multi-purpose healing ointments are designed to seal in moisture and create a protective barrier over minor cuts; some topical antibiotic ointments also claim to nourish the wound while helping prevent infection.

Age guidance varies: some products say “All Ages” or are marketed for the whole family, others specify use for children “ages 2 and up,” some note “Not for children under the age of two,” and at least one listing specifies “6 Years and Up.”

Drawing salves are described as ointments that help draw out splinters, thorns, and ingrown hairs and provide temporary topical relief of pain, itching, and irritation from boils, bug bites, minor eruptions, and superficial cuts.