Veterinary Use of Preparation H for Incision Care

Although Preparation H is widely known for its use in hemorrhoid treatment, it has also been used to treat wrinkles and puffy eyes. Some veterinarians have also used it to promote incision healing.

  1. Previous Ingredients

    • Bio-Dyne (also known as LYCD---live yeast cell derivative) is an ingredient that works on wrinkles, surgical scars, incisions, burns and dry or cracked skin. While Bio-Dyne and shark liver oil used to be included in the product, these ingredients are no longer found in the version sold in the United States.

    Current Ingredients

    • Several years ago when the United States Food and Drug Administration reviewed over-the-counter medicines for effectiveness, it determined that Bio-Dyne was an unnecessary ingredient. Because of that review, the astringent phenylepherine replaced the Bio-Dyne. The Bio-Dyne version is still available in Canada.

    Theories/Speculation

    • There is some evidence that the live yeast cell derivative in Bio-Dyne accelerates wound healing because of the peptides it contains. These peptides are active on skin cells, helping repair damage to them and boosting collagen production.

    Veterinary Use

    • When used on incisions, the Bio-Dyne in Preparation H encourages the formation of new skin cells while the ointment itself soothes any irritation occurring during the healing process. The peptides in the Bio-Dyne also inhibit the formation of "proud flesh" (excessive puffy tissue growth) while wounds heal.