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Skin
Our skin is vulnerable to all kinds of itches, rashes, minor cuts, and infections.
The majority of these can be treated with a variety of over-the-counter (OTC) medicines. Use our helpful resources below to learn about how to safely heal your minor skin issues and get back to feeling your best.
The primary function of the skin is to provide a protective shield for our internal organs, tissues, and bones. Even though it’s a powerful barrier, our skin can experience common injuries and irritations. There are different types of OTC medicines used to protect skin and treat common ailments, including skin protectants, first-aid antibiotics, first-aid antiseptics, and anti-fungals.
Anti-Itch
Anti-Itch
We’ve all had the uncomfortable experience of dry, itchy skin at one point or another — and it's always an annoying experience. Allergies, eczema, insect bites, and poison ivy/oak/sumac can all be culprits. No matter what the cause may be, there are many over-the-counter (OTC) solutions that can give you some much-needed relief. And we're here to help.
OTHER EXAMPLES OF OTC ANTI-ITCH PRODUCTS:
- Cortaid®, Gold Bond®
Contains the active ingredient Hydrocortisone
- Aveeno® Anti-Itch Concentrated Lotion
Contains the active ingredient Calamine
insect BITES
- After Bite® - The Itch Eraser for Insect Bites
Contains the active ingredient Sodium bicarbonate
- Sting-Kill®
Contains active ingredients Benzocaine and Menthol
Poison Ivy/Oak/Sumac
- Ivarest® Poison Ivy Itch Cream, Maximum Strength
Contains the active ingredients Calamine, Benzyl Alcohol, and Diphenhydramine
Store brands (ex. Walmart's “Equate” store brand or CVS Health's store brand)
Safe Use Tips for
Anti-Itch
Always read the Drug Facts label carefully. The label tells you everything you need to know about the medicine, including the ingredients, what you are supposed to use it for, how much you should use, and when you should not use the product.
- When using an anti-itch product, avoid getting the medicine into your eyes.
- Stop use and contact a healthcare provider if your condition worsens, the symptoms last for more than seven days, or if symptoms clear up and then return.
- Do not use anti-itch products on deep wounds, puncture wounds, animal bites, or serious burns.
- Anti-itch products are meant for external use only. In case you accidentally swallow a medicine, immediately contact your healthcare provider or the poison control national helpline at 888.222.1222.
- Keep anti-itch products and all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
Always check the label to make sure the product is safe for use in young children. Pay careful attention when the label says “Do not use."
Read the Drug Facts label carefully for appropriate dosing information and contact a healthcare provider as directed.
Minor Cuts, Scrapes & Burns
Minor Cuts, Scrapes & Burns
Some skin protectant medicines contain specific active ingredients that help minor cuts, scrapes, and burns heal faster by providing a protective barrier against external irritations.
Please be advised that "minor cuts, scrapes, & burns" refers to those injuries that can be safely treated at home with an OTC product. More serious injuries should always be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
Skin Protectants safeguard your from further irritation. When applied directly to your minor cut, scrape, or burn, they will provide a protective layer that helps to enhance the healing process.
Common OTC Products That Can Help:
- Vaseline®, Aquaphor® Healing Ointment, CeraVe® Healing Ointment
Contains the active ingredient Petrolatum
- Eucerin® Original Healing Cream
Contains the active ingredients Petrolatum, Mineral Oil, and Lanolin
- Store brands (ex. Walmart's “Equate” store brand or CVS Health's store brand)
Safe Use Tips for
Skin Protectants
Always read the Drug Facts label carefully. The label tells you everything you need to know about the medicine, including the ingredients, what you are supposed to use it for, how much you should use, and when you should not use the product.
- When using a skin protectant, avoid getting the medicine into your eyes.
- Stop use and contact a healthcare provider if your condition worsens, the symptoms last for more than seven days, or if symptoms clear up and then return.
- Do not use skin protectants on deep wounds, puncture wounds, animal bites, or serious burns.
- Skin protectants are meant for external use only. In case you accidentally swallow a medicine, immediately contact your healthcare provider or the poison control national helpline at 888.222.1222.
- Keep skin protectants and all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
Skin protectant medicines are available in different dosage strengths. Some products have dosing instructions for infants aged 6 months and older, while others should only be used in children age 2 and older.
Read the Drug Facts label carefully for appropriate dosing information and contact a healthcare provider as directed.
First-aid antibiotic medicines are used to help prevent infection in minor skin injuries and are available in spray, ointment, cream, and powder form. These products should only be used on the outer surface of the body. When applied to a wound, the active ingredients in first-aid antibiotics work by killing bacteria, which prevents an infection from developing.
Common OTC Products* That Can Help:
- Dr. Sheffield® Triple Antibiotic Ointment
Contains the active ingredients Bacitracin, Neomycin, and Polymyxin B
- Neosporin®
Contains the active ingredient Bacitracin zinc
- Store brands (ex. Walmart's “Equate” store brand or CVS Health's store brand)
*Some first-aid antibiotics may contain additional active ingredients to help relieve pain.
Safe Use Tips for First-Aid Antibiotics
Always read the Drug Facts label carefully. The label tells you everything you need to know about the medicine, including the ingredients, what you are supposed to use it for, how much you should use, and when you should not use the product.
- First-aid antibiotics should only be used on the outer body surface. Do not use these medicines in your eyes or apply to large areas of your body.
- If you accidentally swallow a topical first-aid antibiotic medicine, immediately seek medical attention or contact the poison control national helpline at 888.222.1222.
- Clean the affected area before use. Apply a small amount one to three times a day. Do not use the medicine for more than one week unless you are under the supervision of a healthcare provider.
- After applying a first-aid antibiotic, a sterile bandage may be used to cover the area.
- Stop use and contact a healthcare provider if your condition gets worse or if a rash or other allergic reaction occurs.
- Do not use if you are allergic to any of the medicine’s ingredients.
If you have a deep wound, animal bite, or serious burn, consult a healthcare provider. - Keep first-aid antibiotics and all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
- Talk to a healthcare provider before using a first-aid antibiotic on a child under the age of 2.
First-aid antiseptics are medicines that are used to help reduce your chances of getting an infection from a minor skin injury. They are available in topical forms like liquid solutions, sprays, medicated wipes, wet compresses, salves, lotions, ointments, creams, and powders. These medicines should only be used on the outer surface of the body. When applied directly to the affected area, first-aid antiseptics keep the surface of the injury clean and help prevent the growth of bacteria, which could lead to a possible infection.
Common OTC Products* That Can Help:
- Dermoplast®
Contains the active ingredient Benzethonium chloride
- Bactine® Max
Contains the active ingredient Benzalkonium CI
- Campho-Phenique®
Contains the active ingredient Camphorated phenol
- Betadine® Antiseptic First Aid Solution
Contains the active ingredient Povidone-iodine
- Store brands (ex. Walmart's “Equate” store brand or CVS Health's store brand)
*Some first-aid antiseptics may contain additional active ingredients that treat pain and irritation.
Safe Use Tips for First-Aid Antiseptics
Always read the Drug Facts label carefully. The label tells you everything you need to know about the medicine, including the ingredients, what you are supposed to use it for, how much you should use, and when you should not use the product.
- First-aid antiseptics should only be used on the outer surface of the body.
Do not use a first-aid antiseptic in your eyes or apply to large areas of your body. - If you accidentally swallow the medicine, immediately seek medical attention or contact the poison control national helpline at 888.222.1222.
- Stop use and contact a healthcare provider if your condition lasts for more than one week or gets worse.
- If you have a deep wound, animal bite, or serious burn, consult a healthcare provider.
- Some first-aid antiseptics may be flammable. Keep products away from an open fire or flame.
- Keep first-aid antiseptics and all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
- Talk to a healthcare provider before using a first-aid antiseptic medicine on a child under the age of 2.
Safe Use Tips for
Minor Cuts, Scrapes & Burns
Chapped, Cracked Skin or Lips
Some skin protectant medicines contain active ingredients that act as an emollient, which means they soften and moisturize dry skin and lips and help decrease flaking.
- Vaseline® Original Petroleum Jelly/Baby Healing Jelly, Neosporin® Lip Health Overnight Renewal Therapy
Contains the active ingredient White Petrolatum
- Store brands (ex. Walmart's “Equate” store brand or CVS Health's store brand)
Safe Use Tips for
Chapped, Cracked Skin or Lips
Always read the Drug Facts label carefully. The label tells you everything you need to know about the medicine, including the ingredients, what you are supposed to use it for, how much you should use, and when you should not use the product.
- When using a skin protectant, avoid getting the medicine into your eyes.
- Stop use and contact a healthcare provider if your condition worsens, the symptoms last for more than seven days, or if symptoms clear up and then return.
- Do not use skin protectants on deep wounds, puncture wounds, animal bites, or serious burns.
- Skin protectants are meant for external use only. In case you accidentally swallow a medicine, immediately contact your healthcare provider or the poison control national helpline at 888.222.1222.
- Keep skin protectants and all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
Skin protectant medicines are available in different dosage strengths. Some products have dosing instructions for infants aged 6 months and older, while others should only be used in children age 2 and older.
Read the Drug Facts label carefully for appropriate dosing information and contact a healthcare provider as directed.
Rashes
Some skin protectant medicines contain active ingredients that soothe irritated skin from rashes, like heat rash, diaper rash, or chafing.
- Desitin®, Boogie Bottoms™ No-Rub Diaper Rash Spray, Boudreaux’s Butt Paste®, Balmex® Adult Care Rash Cream
Contains the active ingredient Zinc Oxide
Safe Use Tips for
Rashes
Always read the Drug Facts label carefully. The label tells you everything you need to know about the medicine, including the ingredients, what you are supposed to use it for, how much you should use, and when you should not use the product.
- When using a skin protectant, avoid getting the medicine into your eyes.
- Stop use and contact a healthcare provider if your condition worsens, the symptoms last for more than seven days, or if symptoms clear up and then return.
- Do not use skin protectants on deep wounds, puncture wounds, animal bites, or serious burns.
- Skin protectants are meant for external use only. In case you accidentally swallow a medicine, immediately contact your healthcare provider or the poison control national helpline at 888.222.1222.
- Keep skin protectants and all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
Skin protectant medicines are available in different dosage strengths. Some products have dosing instructions for infants aged 6 months and older, while others should only be used in children age 2 and older.
Read the Drug Facts label carefully for appropriate dosing information and contact a healthcare provider as directed.
Anti-Fungal
Some skin protectants are antifungal creams used to treat fungal infections of the skin, like yeast infections, athlete’s foot, ringworm, and jock itch. These medicines kill the fungus and/or stop it from growing.
JOCK ITCH
- Lotrimin®, Gyne-Lotrimin®
Contains the active ingredient Clotrimazole
ATHLETE’S FOOT
- Lamisil®
Contains the active ingredient Terbinafine
YEAST INFECTION
- Monistat® 3
Contains active ingredient Miconazole
Store brands (ex. Walmart's “Equate” store brand or CVS Health's store brand)
Safe Use Tips for
Anti-Fungal
Always read the Drug Facts label carefully. The label tells you everything you need to know about the medicine, including the ingredients, what you are supposed to use it for, how much you should use, and when you should not use the product.
- When using a skin protectant, avoid getting the medicine into your eyes.
- Stop use and contact a healthcare provider if your condition worsens, the symptoms last for more than seven days, or if symptoms clear up and then return.
- Do not use skin protectants on deep wounds, puncture wounds, animal bites, or serious burns.
- Skin protectants are meant for external use only. In case you accidentally swallow a medicine, immediately contact your healthcare provider or the poison control national helpline at 888.222.1222.
- Keep skin protectants and all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
Skin protectant medicines are available in different dosage strengths. Some products have dosing instructions for infants aged 6 months and older, while others should only be used in children age 2 and older.
Read the Drug Facts label carefully for appropriate dosing information and contact a healthcare provider as directed.
Safety Tips for
Skin
Homeopathic Products
Homeopathic skin care products are derived from plants, minerals, and animal substances that are known for their pharmacological or biological actions. For safety, read all instructions and warnings on the product label before taking any homeopathic product and follow all dosing instructions. Please be aware that products labeled as homeopathic and currently marketed in the U.S. have not been reviewed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for safety and effectiveness to diagnose, treat, cure, prevent or mitigate any diseases or conditions.
OTC homeopathic skin care medicines include:
- Apis mellifica
- Calendula officinalis
- Cantharis
- Rhus tox
- Thuja occidentalis
- Urtica urens
Terbinafine is an antifungal that is available in over-the-counter (OTC) medicines that treat symptoms associated with skin fungus infections such as athlete’s foot, jock itch, and ringworm. Terbinafine can be found in single-ingredient topical skin fungus medicines.
Clotrimazole is an antifungal that has different uses in over-the-counter (OTC) medicines. Depending on the dose and form, clotrimazole can be used to treat symptoms associated with skin fungus infections such as athlete’s foot, jock itch, and ringworm. Clotrimazole can also be used to treat vaginal yeast infections.
