CHONGQING (CQNEWS) -- Many people know of erythromycin eye ointment, but it is more than just an eye ointment. It still has many other functions, let’s check.

1. Nasal cavity dryness, epistaxis

Dry weather will make dry nasal mucosa of some people flimsier, sometimes leading to epistaxis (nosebleed). Use cotton swab to apply the erythromycin ointment to nares (nostrils) to nourish nasal cavities.

2. Hangnail

If there is a hangnail, don’t tear it off roughly, which can easily cause a secondary bacterial infection. Soak hands in warm water first to soften the skin and remove the hangnail by nail clippers. Then apply the erythromycin ointment, especially to the skin around nails.

3. Skin dryness and itching

The diluted glycerin bought at the supermarket has certain effects on skin dryness and itch. The nourishing and moisturizing wool grease in erythromycin ointment also can relive itching and nourish skin.

4. Angular cheilitis

The angular fester and bleb (blister) on lips may make it hard to drink and eat. For angular cheilitis, apply erythromycin ointment after washing.

5. Moxibustion blister

Many people may suffer from blisters or sores after moxibustion. If the blisters are small, it doesn’t matter; if big, puncture them with a sterilized needle, squeeze the pus out and then apply erythromycin ointment.

6. Pinkeye

If kids have too much gum in their eyes, accompanied with itching and redness, take them to the hospital to see if it is “pinkeye”. If it is, use chloromycetin eyedrops and erythromycin ointment.

7. Mosquito bite

For a serious mosquito bite, wash and disinfect it right away, and then apply erythromycin ointment.

8. Haemorrhoids

People with haemorrhoids should avoid eating pungent food. They can wash with warm water after defecation and apply a little erythromycin ointment to relieve the discomfort.

9. Calluses

Some diabetic patients need to take insulin shots often and may suffer from pruritus (severe itching), swelling or calluses at the injection site, which may be from the insulin quality or allergic constitution of some patients. After disinfecting the topical skin with 0.2% iodine tincture, apply erythromycin ointment and change the injection site, at least 3cm away from the original site. The swelling should disappear in 1-2 weeks, while calluses will be disappear about one month later.

10. Mild burn

If you suffer from a mild and small burn, wash the wound with cold water and apply erythromycin ointment on the surface.

11. Chilblain

Before chilblain is broken, apply a heparin compound ointment to it. After it is broken, apply 1% erythromycin ointment to unbroken areas for anti-inflammation and wound surface protection.

12. Eczema

Erythromycin ointment is effective for bacterial infection and infection prevention, for example, perioral red papule (epifolliculitis). While for perioral unilateral clustered herpes (caused by virus infection), erythromycin ointment also can prevent the bacterial infection. Even for early acute and sub-acute eczema with obvious exudation (oozing) and anabrosis, erythromycin ointment can also prevent infection. (Translated by Huang Juan, Fathom Language Limited)