Ointments have the advantage of increased dwell time in the eye, but often patients and parents of children prefer drops, and no therapeutic advantage of one over the other has been demonstrated.

On the face, cuts longer than ¼ inch (6 mm) usually need to be seen. They usually need closure with sutures or skin glue. Any open wound that may need sutures should be seen as soon as possible.

when the skin is dry use ointments or emollients. Indeed, when the skin is wet because of an acute dermatitis, drying is needed, to avoid secondary infection and to accelerate wound healing.