source: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Neosporin-Pain-Relief-Dual-Action-Topical-Antibiotic-Ointment-1-oz/893383
Neosporin is a household name many of us grew up with, often used for minor cuts and wounds. In recent decades there has been ongoing debate about its benefits relative to other treatments like petrolatum, commonly known as Vaseline.
For those unfamiliar with Neosporin, it is the brand name for an antibiotic ointment containing neomycin, polymyxin b, and bacitracin. This topical medication, applied to the surface of the skin, combines antibiotics with different mechanisms for killing bacteria. Theoretically this makes it more effective, since it targets bacteria that may have resistance to one type of antibiotic. With this knowledge, it seems logical to assume that Neosporin is an effective solution for minor wounds compared to non-antibiotic topical ointments like Vaseline in order to prevent infection. This leads to the question: why could Neosporin be problematic?
One issue is its allergenic components. Numerous reports of rashes from Neosporin use led researchers to identify bacitracin as the culprit. The frequency of contact dermatitis cases was so high that Bacitracin was named the "Contact allergen of the year" in 2003. Further studies conducted at Johns Hopkins in 2021 revealed that treating minor wounds with Neosporin actually had slower regeneration rates than those treated with Vaseline.
Another concern is the rise of antibiotic resistance. Bacteria replicate rapidly, which allows for mutations to occur along the way. Constant use of antibiotics, whether topical or systemic, essentially speeds up the process of natural selection by favoring antibiotic-resistant bacteria that continue to replicate. This is a growing global issue, exemplified by things like MRSA (methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus), a difficult-to-treat bacterial infection.
Ultimately, the key to treating minor wounds is to keep the area clean. Many products can maintain optimal conditions for skin regeneration, not limited to Neosporin or Vaseline. If you are concerned that your wound is becoming infected or is too deep to treat at home contact a health provider near you.
Sources:
Menezes de Pádua, C A et al. “Contact allergy to neomycin sulfate: results of a multifactorial analysis.” Pharmacoepidemiology and drug safety vol. 14,10 (2005): 725-33. doi:10.1002/pds.1117
Rod Brouhard, EMT-P. “Should I Use Neosporin on a Cut?” Verywell Health, 29 May 2024, www.verywellhealth.com/should-i-use-neosporin-on-my-cut-1298910. Accessed 27 June 2024.
Wang, Gaofeng, et al. “Bacteria Induce Skin Regeneration via Il-1β Signaling.” Cell Host & Microbe, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 12 May 2021, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8122070/. Accessed 27 June 2024. Assessed and Endorsed by the MedReport Medical Review Board