Help! Allergic to topical ointment - Need Suggestions

[Krystal]

I have a cut on my arm which isn't bad enough to require a visit to the Dr. but it is very irritated and right in the bend of my arm. I am really allergic to polysporin, neosporin, bacticine... Pretty much all of the OTC ointments.

Any suggestions on what I can use to speed up healing and prevent scarring?

Thanks,

Krystal

[sneezles]

I've used some BandAids that prevent scarring since my surgeries. They come in a "foil" box and have the word blister on the package. Nice thing about them is they are waterproof and you can leave them on for a week before changing.

[Cookin4Love]

I've had really good luck with fresh aloe vera. Do you have access to an aloe plant? You can just break off a leaf and smear the sticky goo on the cut. When DD was really little, she laid open the palm of her hand from corner to corner. I bandaged it with a piece of aloe inside the bandage, and she healed completely without even a scar in just a few days. There are commercial aloe products out there, but without knowing what component of the ointment you're allergic to, I'd be hesitant to try them.

[CompassRose]

Originally posted by sneezles
I've used some BandAids that prevent scarring since my surgeries. They come in a "foil" box and have the word blister on the package. Nice thing about them is they are waterproof and you can leave them on for a week before changing.
Oo, I'd be careful with those. I love 'em, but A. had a big scrape, so I put one of those on him... and he was SO allergic to it, got a giant ring-around-the-rash within an hour that lasted for weeks.

[ChristyMarie]

I'm allergic to everything too - I use BagBalm.

[Krystal]

Thanks for all the suggestions! Any idea where to buy an aloe vera plant? Whole Foods doesn't have them and neither does Trader Joe's.


Thanks,

Krystal

[Cookin4Love]

Krystal, have you checked with a nursery or garden supply center at Target or Wal-Mart? In a pinch, you could probably use something out of a bottle as long as it's 100% aloe vera gel. I just have never found it as effective as the real deal.

[Lrimerman]

I read also, that raw honey works well for things like that. You can usually find raw honey at whole foods or other health food store (It is expensive, but a jar last a long time and of course is very good in many cooking activities.)

Lisa

Here is a link to an article I found that has some info on that
raw honey (http://www.avsweb.com/health/kim/honey.htm)

[colleency]

Some health food stores also sell aloe vera ointment. I would be careful of the ingredients, though.