Introduction to Penicillin Pomada
Penicillin was one of the first antibiotics discovered and remains a critical tool in medicine for fighting bacterial infections. While many are familiar with oral or injectable penicillin, its topical form—an ointment or cream often referred to by the Spanish term 'pomada'—has also been used historically for skin-related issues. This formulation allows the antibiotic to be applied directly to the site of an infection.
Penicillin ointment typically contains an active ingredient like benzylpenicillin potassium in an inert base, such as white soft paraffin. The primary goal of this topical application is to deliver the antibiotic directly to the affected skin, eliminating harmful bacteria and preventing infections in minor wounds.
How Does Penicillin Ointment Work?
As a beta-lactam antibiotic, penicillin works by targeting and inhibiting the synthesis of the bacterial cell wall. Bacteria rely on this wall for structural integrity. By disrupting its formation, penicillin causes the bacteria to weaken and eventually die, thereby stopping the infection from spreading and allowing the body to heal. It is particularly effective against common bacteria responsible for skin infections, such as certain strains of Staphylococcus and Streptococcus.
Primary Uses and Indications
Penicillin pomada is indicated for the local treatment of various superficial skin infections caused by susceptible bacteria. It should only be used for bacterial infections and will not be effective against fungal or viral skin issues.
Key uses include:
- Minor Cuts, Scrapes, and Burns: Applying the ointment can help prevent these common injuries from becoming infected.
- Infected Wounds: It can treat existing minor infections in wounds.
- Impetigo: A contagious bacterial skin infection that causes red sores.
- Furunculosis (Boils): Infections of the hair follicle that form painful, pus-filled lumps.
- Sycosis Barbae: A type of folliculitis affecting the beard area.
- Infected Eczema: For treating secondary bacterial infections that can occur in eczema lesions.
It is important not to use this product over large areas of the body or for serious conditions like deep cuts, puncture wounds, or animal bites without consulting a doctor.
Application
For effective use, penicillin ointment is typically applied to the cleaned, affected area. To protect the area from further contamination, it is often recommended to cover the site with a sterile dressing after application. Follow specific instructions provided by a healthcare professional or the product packaging.
Important Considerations and Side Effects
While generally well-tolerated when applied topically, penicillin pomada is not without risks. The most significant concern is allergic reaction.
Potential Side Effects:
- Allergic Contact Dermatitis: This is the most common side effect, presenting as redness, itching, rash, or swelling at the application site.
- Systemic Allergic Reaction: Though rarer with topical use, a person with a severe penicillin allergy could experience a serious reaction, including hives, swelling of the face or throat, and difficulty breathing.
It is contraindicated for anyone with a known hypersensitivity to penicillin or related antibiotics like amoxicillin. If you have a history of asthma or allergies, you should consult a healthcare provider before use.
The Growing Problem of Antibiotic Resistance
The unnecessary or improper use of any antibiotic can lead to decreased effectiveness, a phenomenon known as antibiotic resistance. The extensive use of penicillin over decades has resulted in many common bacteria developing resistance. To combat this, topical antibiotics should be used judiciously and only when necessary.
Penicillin Pomada vs. Common Alternatives
In many countries, including the United States, true penicillin ointment is not available over-the-counter (OTC) and requires a prescription. Common OTC antibiotic ointments use different active ingredients.
| Feature | Penicillin Ointment | Neosporin (Triple Antibiotic) | Bacitracin Ointment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Active Ingredient(s) | Penicillin (e.g., Benzylpenicillin) | Bacitracin, Neomycin, Polymyxin B | Bacitracin |
| Mechanism | Inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis | Combination of mechanisms to stop bacterial growth | Inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis |
| Primary Use | Minor bacterial skin infections | Preventing infection in minor cuts, scrapes, burns | Preventing infection in minor cuts and scrapes |
| Allergy Risk | High for those with penicillin allergy | Moderate; neomycin is a common cause of contact dermatitis | Lower than Neosporin, but allergy is still possible |
| Availability (U.S.) | Prescription-only or not available | Over-the-counter (OTC) | Over-the-counter (OTC) |
Some medical providers now recommend using simple petroleum jelly (Vaseline) instead of an OTC antibiotic for minor wounds, as it effectively keeps the wound moist to promote healing with a lower risk of causing an allergic reaction. Other prescription alternatives include mupirocin and fusidic acid.
Conclusion
So, what is penicillin pomada used for? It is a topical antibiotic for treating and preventing a range of minor bacterial skin infections. While it can be effective for conditions like impetigo and infected wounds, its use is limited by the significant risk of allergic reactions and the global issue of antibiotic resistance. In many regions, alternatives like bacitracin, polymyxin B, or mupirocin are more commonly used. Always consult a healthcare professional before using any antibiotic medication to ensure it is the right treatment for your condition.
For more in-depth information on penicillin and its uses, you can visit DermNet's page on Penicillin.
