Neosporin Original First Aid Antibiotic Ointment with Bacitracin, is a medication used for 24-hour infection protection, wound care treatment, and the scar appearance minimizer for minor cuts, scrapes, and burns. It is available without a prescription for self-medication. Do not use this product over large areas of the body. Ask your doctor first before using this product for serious skin injuries or infections (e.g., deep cuts, puncture wounds, animal bites, serious burns).
A different treatment may be necessary for these types of conditions. 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 (e.g., infections caused by fungi, viruses). Unnecessary use or misuse of any antibiotic can lead to its decreased effectiveness.
How to use Neosporin Ointment
According to WebMD, This medication is for use on the skin only. Follow all directions on the product package or use as directed by your doctor. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Clean and dry the affected skin area. If you are using the ointment, wash your hands first. Then apply a small amount of medication (no more than can fit on your fingertip) in a thin layer on the skin and rub in gently, usually 1 to 3 times a day. Wash your hands after applying the ointment. If you are using the spray, shake the container well before using it, then spray a small amount on the affected area as directed, usually 1 to 3 times a day. You may cover small treatment areas with a sterile bandage.
Do not use large amounts of this medication or apply this more often or for a longer period than directed. Your condition will not clear faster, but the risk of side effects may be increased. Do not use this product for longer than 1 week unless directed by your doctor. Do not use this medication on irritated skin in a child’s diaper area unless directed by the doctor. After applying the medication to the diaper area, do not use tight-fitting diapers or plastic pants.
Avoid getting this medication in your eyes or inside the nose or mouth. If this occurs, wipe off the medication and rinse thoroughly with water.
Can I Put Neosporin On My Private Area As A Woman?
No, Neosporin is not recommended for use in your private area because it can cause an allergic reaction and alter the microflora, especially in women. Normal vaginal flora is dominated by various lactobacillus species. Lactobacilli help to keep the vagina healthy by producing lactic acid, hydrogen peroxide, and other substances that inhibit the growth of yeast and other unwanted organisms.
Under the pressure of antibiotic-containing medications like Neosporin, the vaginal microbiome can undergo rapid shifts. This disruption of the normal vaginal flora often leads to a loss of lactobacilli. This can not only be unpleasant in and of itself. It can also leave a woman more susceptible to HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.
However, women can apply Neosporin ointments to minor cuts that are in the outer area around the vulva and its labia.
Can I Put Neosporin On My Private Area As a Man?
No, putting Neosporin on the male private area without medical supervision can result in some undesirable effects. The treatment needed for problems and conditions in the genital area of a man depends on the underlying cause.
A doctor may also prescribe a specific cream to reduce the symptoms while treating the underlying condition. Some skin infections or wounds in the male private can heal without treatment as long as the affected area is kept clean and dry.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
An overdose of Neosporin topical is not expected to be dangerous. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medication.
What should I avoid while using Neosporin?
Do not take it by mouth. Neosporin is for use only on your skin. Avoid getting this medicine in your eyes, nose, or mouth. If this does happen, rinse with water.
Avoid applying other creams, lotions, ointments, or other medicated skin products to the same areas you treat with Neosporin.
Neosporin side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
A rare but serious side effect of neomycin is hearing loss, which has occurred in people using other forms of neomycin. It is unlikely that you would absorb enough of this medicine through your skin to cause this effect. Call your doctor at once if you notice any changes in your hearing.
Call your doctor at once if you have severe redness or irritation, swelling, pus, oozing, or other signs of infection.
Common side effects may include:
• mild itching or rash; or
• minor skin irritation after using the medicine.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
