neosporin vs polysporin
Olivia Hensley
Updated on July 10, 2026
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.
Is Neosporin and Polysporin the same thing?
Similar to bacitracin and Neosporin is a brand-name product called Polysporin. Polysporin is a ‘double antibiotic’ ointment containing the active ingredients bacitracin and polymyxin B, but lacks neomycin which is in the third ingredient in Neosporin triple antibiotic cream.
Is Polysporin or Neosporin better for cuts?
Neosporin (neomycin / polymyxin / bacitracin) is an effective, over-the-counter, first-line infection prevention in minor scrapes, cuts, and burns. Polysporin (bacitracin and polymyxin B) is available over-the-counter and as a generic. It helps prevent skin infections from forming in small cuts, scrapes, or burns.
Why you should not use Neosporin?
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. Neomycin is such a common allergen that it was named Allergen of the Year in 2010.
Which antibiotic ointment is best?
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.
Is there anything better than Neosporin?
Alternatives. Petroleum jelly products, such as Vaseline, can be good alternatives to bacitracin or Neosporin. The jelly keeps wounds from drying out, which can prevent or ease itching and other unpleasant symptoms.
Can you put Polysporin on open wound?
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 is the best ointment for wounds?
Antibiotic ointments (such as Neosporin) help wounds heal by keeping out infection and by keeping the wound clean and moist.
Does Neosporin help heal faster?
Ointments include NEOSPORIN® + Pain, Itch, Scar,* which provides 24-hour infection protection. NEOSPORIN® + Pain, Itch, Scar helps heal minor wounds four days faster** and may help minimize the appearance of scars. (*For adults and children 2 years and older.)
Can you put Neosporin on an open wound?
Neosporin is a triple antibiotic ointment available over the counter that can help treat minor cuts, abrasions, and burns. The ointment may help speed healing and ease pain, but proper wound care may do the same without the need for a topical antibiotic.
What helps wounds heal faster?
Methods for making a wound heal faster
Antibacterial ointment. A person can treat a wound with several over-the-counter (OTC) antibacterial ointments, which can help prevent infections. Aloe vera. Aloe vera is a plant belonging to the cactus family. Honey. Turmeric paste. Garlic. Coconut oil.
Can I use Polysporin on my foreskin?
Antibiotic Ointment:
Put an antibiotic ointment on the head of the penis and under the foreskin. No prescription is needed. Do this 2 times per day. Examples are Bacitracin or Polysporin.
What is Polysporin used for?
This combination product is used to treat minor wounds (such as cuts, scrapes, burns) and to help prevent or treat mild skin infections. Minor skin infections and wounds usually heal without treatment, but some minor skin wounds may heal faster when an antibiotic is applied to the affected area.
Do wounds heal faster covered or uncovered?
Q: Is it better to bandage a cut or sore, or air it out? A: Airing out most wounds isn’t beneficial because wounds need moisture to heal. Leaving a wound uncovered may dry out new surface cells, which can increase pain or slow the healing process.
What is a natural alternative to Neosporin?
Aloe vera
According to a 2016 research review and a 2012 research review , aloe vera has both antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects, and may also speed up skin tissue healing.
Does Neosporin pull out infection?
This product contains neomycin, bacitracin, and polymyxin, antibiotics that work by stopping the growth of bacteria. This medication prevents/treats only bacterial skin infections. It will not work for other types of skin infections (such as infections caused by fungi, viruses).
Can I put polysporin on my private area?
Polysporin (bacitracin and polymyxin B) should only be used on your skin. Don’t put it in your eyes, mouth, or genitals.
Is polysporin a triple antibiotic?
Polysporin Triple is wonderful to have on hand to treat minor injuries, and I love the fact that it includes 3 different antibiotics. It is an odorless, almost transparent cream that goes on easily and even this small 15g tube is sure to last a long time, as only a tiny bit is needed.