There are a number of topical antibiotics that are available over the counter. The most common are Polysporin and Neosporin. Neosporin is the one that most people have heard of, it has great brand-name recognition. However, most dermatologists do not recommend using Neosporin.
Neosporin contains a mixture of 3 topical antibacterial medications: Neomycin, polymixin, and bacitracin. Neomycin is one of the most common causes of an allergic contact dermatitis. Often, if a patient applies Neosporin to a biopsy site, surgical site, or abrasion, after a period of time a red, itchy rash will form, sometimes with very small blisters. This is an allergic contact dermatitis. Patients will often think the site is infected, since it becomes red and somewhat tender.
When the skin is open, it is more prone to becoming sensitized to an allergen, so even if the patient wasn’t allergic to neomycin previously, an allergy can develop late in life after prolonged exposure to Neosporin.
For this reason, we often recommend Polysporin. Polysporin does not have neomycin, it just has polymixin and bacitracin. Although patients can be allergic to any medication, allergy to these medicines is very uncommon.
Alternative topical treatments for a biopsy site, surgical site, or abrasion include Aquaphor or mupirocin. Aquaphor is not an antibiotic, just a healing balm. Mupirocin (the generic name for Bactroban), is a prescription medication. Both are also good treatments.
It is always best to keep any wound “soft” with either Polysporin, Aquaphor, or mupirocin. It is a myth that a wound needs to scab or dry out to heal. And avoid the Neosporin!
FAQs
Which is better to use, Polysporin or Neosporin? ›
When the skin is open, it is more prone to becoming sensitized to an allergen, so even if the patient wasn't allergic to neomycin previously, an allergy can develop late in life after prolonged exposure to Neosporin. For this reason, we often recommend Polysporin.
Why is Neosporin no longer recommended? ›The benefits of Neosporin can be offset by some of the risks of long-term or unnecessary use. This includes the risk of antibiotic resistance and allergy.
Why don t dermatologists like Polysporin? ›Neomycin frequently causes allergic reactions of the skin called contact dermatitis. It can cause the skin to become red, scaly, and itchy. The more Neosporin you use, the worse the skin reaction gets.
What should you not use Polysporin on? ›Polysporin (bacitracin / polymyxin B) should only be used on your skin. Don't put it in your eyes, nose, mouth, ears, or genitals.
What are the cons of Polysporin? ›This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history. After you apply this drug, your vision may become temporarily blurred.
Why is Polysporin so good? ›POLYSPORIN® First Aid Antibiotic Ointment is the #1 Dermatologist Recommended First Aid Ointment. It is a double antibiotic, containing Bacitracin and Polymyxin B. It helps prevent infection in minor cuts, scrapes and burns. It does not contain Neomycin.
What ointment is best for wound healing? ›- Bacitracin. Bacitracin can be found in just about every over-the-counter antibiotic ointment on the market. ...
- Bacitracin and Polymyxin B (Polysporin) The common brand name for this medication is Polysporin. ...
- Bacitracin, Polymyxin B, and Neomycin (Neosporin)
Ointment. Apply Vaseline twice daily or more to keep your wound nice and moist. Moist wounds heal better than dry, and with less scabbing. We do NOT recommend Polysporin – Vaseline works just as well to keep the wound moist, is cheaper, and does not cause the skin irritation that is possible with Polysporin.
What is a good alternative to POLYSPORIN? ›Polysporin (bacitracin / polymyxin B), Neosporin (bacitracin / neomycin / polymyxin B), and bacitracin are all over-the-counter (OTC) antibiotic ointments that you can use to help treat or prevent infection for minor cuts or scrapes. The main difference between these ointments is that they have different ingredients.
Is Polysporin being discontinued? ›Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Aug 16, 2022. Written by Cerner Multum. The Polysporin First Aid Antibiotic Ointment brand name has been discontinued in the U.S. If generic versions of this product have been approved by the FDA, there may be generic equivalents available.
Can Polysporin make a wound worse? ›
Polysporin side effects
Signs of wound or skin infection: increasing pain, redness, swelling, or drainage of fluid or pus that is cloudy, brown, green, or foul-smelling. New or worsening skin rash. New or worsening redness, burning, itching, or swelling in the area where the medicine is applied.
Significant improvements in erythema (Days 7-18), edema (Days 4 and 7), epithelial confluence (Days 7-18), and general wound appearance (Days 7-18) were observed with Aquaphor compared with Neosporin and Polysporin (p <= . 007). No differences were observed between Neosporin and Polysporin for any clinical parameters.
Why use Polysporin instead of Neosporin? ›What is the difference between NEOSPORIN® and POLYSPORIN®? POLYSPORIN® doesn't contain neomycin. Some people are allergic to neomycin, making POLYSPORIN® a potential alternative in such cases.
Can I use Polysporin everyday? ›No, you don't need a prescription. * However, you shouldn't use POLYSPORIN® products for longer than one week. If your condition worsens or persists, stop use and consult a doctor.
Can I put Polysporin on my private area? ›Cut or Scrape Treatment:
Wash the wound with soap and water for 5 minutes. For any dirt, scrub gently with a wash cloth. Put on an antibiotic ointment (such as Polysporin). No prescription is needed.
POLYSPORIN® Antibiotic Ointment or Cream provides infection protection in minor wounds, cuts and scrapes. POLYSPORIN® topical antibiotic ointment and a bandage help heal minor cuts or wounds 4 days faster than a bandage alone.
Which antibiotic cream is best for skin infections? ›MUPIROCIN (myoo PEER oh sin) treats skin infections caused by bacteria. It works by killing or preventing the growth of bacteria on the skin. This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
Does anything work better than Neosporin? ›For some wounds, bacitracin may work just as well as Polysporin or Neosporin. Your healthcare professional can let you know if your wound requires treatment with more than one antibiotic. It's also good to keep any allergies and sensitivities in mind when choosing an antibiotic ointment.