Should I Use Neosporin for Cuts? (2024)

Many people reach for Neosporin for cuts, minor wounds, burns, and scrapes. It's an antibacterial ointment that effectively treats some injuries, but should not be used on every type of open wound.

Some wounds don't need an antibiotic and using one may increase the risk of an allergic reaction and antibiotic resistance. Other, deeper wounds may need care that an antibiotic ointment is unable to provide.

Uses and Benefits of Neosporin

Neosporin is an over-the-counter (OTC) antibiotic ointment widely prescribed by dermatologists to treat skin injuries:

• Minor cuts and scrapes
• Minor burns
• Infection and reinfection prevention

It contains three antibacterial agents:

• Neomycin: An aminoglycoside antibiotic
• Bacitracin: A cyclic polypeptide antibiotic
• Polymyxin: A polypeptide bactericidal antibiotic

Even so, there remains considerable debate as to whether Neosporin can improve wound healing compared to simply dressing a wound and keeping it moist and clean.

For example, a 2018 review of 11 studies concluded that topical antibiotics like Neosporin may help reduce the risk of infection with uncomplicated wounds but that the "absolute benefit was small."

Risks of Neosporin

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.

• Antibiotic resistance: The overuse of antibiotics, both oral and topical, has fueled this public health concern. Neosporin has been shown to promote high rates of resistance to Staphylococcus aureus (the bacteria associated with staph infection) among adults with eczema who use it to treat their condition. Some experts recommend avoiding Neosporin for common skin conditions (e.g., acne, impetigo) due to increasing rates of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
• Allergy: The three active ingredients in Neosporin can all cause an immune-related reaction called allergic contact dermatitis. This condition causes rash, itching, dryness, blisters, and cracking. While rarely severe, bacitracin has been known to cause delayed reactions (days after application) leading to a potentially life-threatening, whole-body allergy known as anaphylaxis. Those with a history of anaphylaxis may want to avoid Neosporin.
• Side effects: Side effects may include itching, skin rash, redness, and swelling. Contact your healthcare provider if you experience any of these effects.
• Slow healing: Some studies have reported that Neosporin was less effective in healing wounds than plain petroleum jelly (e.g., Vaseline). In 2021 two Johns Hopkins University studies concluded that topical antibiotics like Neosporin slowed healing times compared to petroleum jelly. Petroleum jelly stimulated the production of an inflammatory chemical called interleukin 1-beta that promotes skin regeneration, while topical antibiotics appeared to mute this effect.

When Should You Not Use Neosporin?

The occasional use of Neosporin to treat a minor abrasion or cut may be reasonable if only to reduce the risk of infection. But there are times when it should not be used.

Treating certain injuries can cause more harm than good, as delaying treatment that might otherwise prevent infection, scarring, and other avoidable complications can result in more harm than good.

You should not use Neosporin if:

• You are allergic to Neosporin or any of its ingredients.
• A wound is getting better rather than worse.
  
• A baby has broken or raw skin in the diaper area.
• The burn, cut, or abrasion is inside your nose or mouth.

Call your healthcare provider or visit your nearest walk-in clinic or urgent care facility if:

• You have a large cut, puncture wound, or burn.
• An animal has bitten you.
• You have a condition like diabetes that may delay healing.

How to Treat a Wound

Treating a minor cut or scratch is mostly about keeping it clean—but the only thing you really need for this is water.

Here are step-by-step instructions for caring for a wound at home:

• First, rinse the wound with water to remove all dirt and particles. These substances can be sources of germs that lead to infection.
  
• Soap can help if the wound is grimy. Make sure that any grit or dirt is thoroughly rinsed away. Do not use alcohol, iodine, peroxide, or anything harsh. These products can damage the tissues and delay healing.
• After cleansing, decide whether to apply a thin layer of Neosporin or just a little petroleum jelly to keep the skin moist.
  
• Next, dress the wound with anadhesive bandage or a sterile dressing.
• Change the dressing every day. You must change it more often if the bandage gets dirty or wet.
• Once the wound has healed and there is no more exposed tissue, remove the bandage.
• Do not pick the scab; just let it fall off on its own.
  

Summary

Neosporin is an antibiotic ointment available OTC at most pharmacies and grocery stores. Neosporin ointment can be used to treat minor cuts, abrasions, and burns as well as to prevent infections and ease pain. However, Neosporin use can come with side effects and risks, some severe in rare cases.

Neosporin is generally safe but is typically unnecessary. Proper wound care produces similar (and sometimes better) results without the use of a topical antibiotic. Neosporin isnot appropriate to use on large areas of injury, deep cuts, or severe burns. These wounds need to be treated by a healthcare provider.