Bacitracin

How it works

Ring peptides from soil Bacillus that stop other bacteria building their cell walls. A first-aid ointment for cuts and scrapes.

What it's made of

A mix of ring-shaped peptides made by a soil bacterium (Bacillus). The main one, bacitracin A, has 12 amino acids. It is used just as it comes out of the bacterium.

What it's for

Prescribed for

Preventing infection of cuts, scrapes and minor burns. In the US, also in eye ointments, with a prescription.