Can erythromycin ointment relieve inflammation and itching?
Disease description:
Recently, several red and swollen pimples have appeared on my face, accompanied by some itching. After applying erythromycin ointment, the redness seems to have decreased, but the itching persists slightly. Can this ointment truly reduce inflammation and relieve itching? Is it effective for pimples?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Liu Wenmin
In general, erythromycin ointment can help reduce inflammation and relieve itching.
Erythromycin ointment is a topical antibiotic medication, with erythromycin as its main active ingredient. It is primarily used to treat skin infections caused by susceptible bacteria, such as impetigo and folliculitis. Erythromycin exerts its antibacterial effect by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis. In cases of skin inflammation accompanied by bacterial infection, erythromycin ointment can play an anti-inflammatory role. At the same time, as the skin infection is controlled, the associated itching may also be relieved.
However, the anti-inflammatory effect of erythromycin ointment mainly targets inflammation caused by bacterial infection and has limited effectiveness on non-bacterial inflammation, such as allergic dermatitis. Before using erythromycin ointment, it is advisable to first determine the underlying cause and confirm whether it is caused by a bacterial infection. If not, more appropriate treatment methods should be selected.
When using erythromycin ointment, it should be appropriately applied according to the specific condition and cause under the guidance of a doctor or pharmacist to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the medication.
