Buy backpacks, exercise machines, athletic shoes, and more at Fogdog Sports. Interactions Definition Topical antibiotics are medicines applied to the skin to kill bacteria. Purpose Topical antibiotics help prevent infections caused by bacteria that get into minor cuts, scrapes, and burns . Treating minor wounds with antibiotics allows quicker healing. If the wounds are left untreated, the bacteria will multiply, causing pain , redness, swelling, itching , and oozing.
Untreated infections can eventually spread and become much more serious.
Different kinds of topical antibiotics kill different kinds of bacteria. Many antibiotic first-aid products contain combinations of antibiotics to make them effective against a broad range of bacteria. When treating a wound, it is not enough to simply apply a topical antibiotic. The wound must first be cleaned with soap and water and patted dry. After the antibiotic is applied, the wound should be covered with a dressing, such as a bandage or a protective gel or spray.