Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly or antibiotic ointment. This will help keep the affected area moist and prevent infection. If you notice the formation of a rash or redness due to antibiotic ointment use, suspend use of the ointment. Protect and cover the abrasion.
Treat chafed skin twice a day with a zinc oxide ointment (often used in diaper rash products) or a balm, such as Aquaphor Healing Ointment or Eucerin Original Healing Cream to soothe the abrasion and restore damaged skin.
TREAT IT WITH: Start by applying a cold milk compress to the area for about ten minutes; the anti-inflammatory molecules in the dairy fat will help settle things down, says dermatologist Amy Wechsler. Then treat any remaining rash by gently dabbing a 1 percent hydrocortisone ointment on the area twice a day.
Skin chafing should be treated, so don't ignore it. Gently clean the chafed area with water and dry it thoroughly. After cleaning the area, apply a substance like petroleum jelly. If the area is very painful, swollen, bleeding, or crusted, your health care provider may recommend a medicated ointment.
For minor wounds such as cuts, scrapes, and scratches, use petroleum jelly to keep the wound moist. This helps prevent the wound from drying out and forming a scab, as scabs take longer to heal. This will also help prevent a scar from getting too large, deep or itchy.
Do not use it on skin areas that have cuts, scrapes, or burns. If it does get on these areas, rinse it off right away with water. This medicine should only be used for skin conditions that your doctor is treating.
This medication is used to treat a variety of skin conditions (such as insect bites, poison oak/ivy, eczema, dermatitis, allergies, rash, itching of the outer female genitals, anal itching). Hydrocortisone reduces the swelling, itching, and redness that can occur in these types of conditions.
Hydrocortisone cream is good at treating mild inflammatory skin conditions. Be sure you know what these conditions include. In general, the cream should not be used on skin that is broken. Use it wisely and according to the instructions to avoid side effects.
Do not use it on areas of broken skin or on open sores. Unless you have been supplied with a preparation which also contains an anti-infective agent (such as miconazole or clotrimazole), do not use it on any areas of infected skin. Apply the cream/ointment once or twice a day.
Vaseline contains 100 percent petroleum jelly, while Aquaphor includes other ingredients like mineral oil, ceresin, lanolin alcohol, panthenol, glycerin, and bisabolol. Both can be used on lips and skin, as wound healers, and as makeup removers or cuticle softeners.
Vaseline is less effective than petroleum jelly at preventing moisture loss from the skin when used as a moisturizer. Additionally, because it contains more water, it can help moisturize the skin and lessen dryness. It is the perfect option for those who suffer from dry skin problems like eczema or psoriasis.
Small cuts and scrapes can be left uncovered, but moisture is usually needed to help speed up the healing process. Apply petroleum jelly (Vaseline) and cover with an adhesive bandage any exposed wounds that might become dirty on the hands, feet, arms or legs.
Elastoplast Wound Healing Ointment creates a breathable film that protects the wound from external influences while preventing the wound from drying out. This is clinically proven to promote faster wound healing and reduce the risk of scarring. The Elastoplast Wound Healing Ointment is very skin friendly.
Antibiotic ointments (such as Neosporin) help wounds heal by keeping out infection and by keeping the wound clean and moist.
A handful of studies have found that when wounds are kept moist and covered, blood vessels regenerate faster and the number of cells that cause inflammation drop more rapidly than they do in wounds allowed to air out. It is best to keep a wound moist and covered for at least five days.
According to the American Academy of Dermatologists, Vaseline can trigger outbreaks if you have acne-prone skin. Don't put petroleum jelly on your face if you're having an active breakout. There are plenty of other moisturizing options if you have acne-prone skin.
Petroleum jelly may also clog pores. While some forms promise not to clog the pores, it forms a barrier that may cause skin breakouts, especially with frequent use. People with acne or sensitive skin should avoid using petroleum jelly on acne-prone areas, such as the face.
Do not use this medicine on deep wounds, puncture wounds, animal bites, or serious burns. You may apply Aquaphor Healing as needed. First clean the area to be treated. Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after using this medicine for 7 days, or if your condition clears up and comes back.
But, says Macrene, it's worth considering making the switch to Aquaphor: "A study showed that using bacitracin or neomycin [both present in Neosporin] as compared to Aquaphor caused resistant bacteria in wounds."
Healing Injured Skin
Using Aquaphor has also been proven to speed up the recovery of injured skin, including recently tattooed skin. It can also help in the healing process of small or minor cuts and wounds, anything large or serious should be seen by a medical professional.
A topical hydrocortisone cream can be a good option for cracked skin that has red patches or itching. This type of cream contains corticosteroids, which reduce irritation and swelling. Hydrocortisone creams are available in different strengths.
If you apply hydrocortisone 1% to the wound it flattens the lower layer enabling the top layer of skin to grow and the wound to heal.
What can be used instead of cortisone cream? Nonsteroidal skin creams and ointments can be used in place of cortisone cream to treat symptoms of eczema. Crisaborole or TCIs can be used by both adults and children to help reduce inflammation and relieve itch.