Can erythromycin eye ointment be applied to pimples?
Disease description:
I've had a lot of pimples on my face these days. My mom said I should apply some erythromycin eye ointment. Is it okay to use that?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Wang Xiaoyan
Erythromycin ophthalmic ointment is not recommended for the treatment of acne. Erythromycin ophthalmic ointment is a commonly used medication in ophthalmology, primarily indicated for the treatment or prevention of ocular infections such as trachoma and conjunctivitis. Its active ingredient, erythromycin, inhibits bacterial protein synthesis and has effective anti-infective properties. Acne formation is mainly related to factors such as pore blockage and excessive sebum production, rather than simply bacterial infection. Therefore, erythromycin ophthalmic ointment has limited efficacy in treating acne, and its intended use is restricted to the eye area; it should not be used for skin problems on other parts of the body. For the treatment of acne, it is recommended to consult a qualified physician and select appropriate medications or treatment methods based on individual circumstances.
