Why polysporin is better than neosporin

This interaction can reduce their effectiveness or cause mild to severe side effects. In this article, we…. Taking certain antibiotics can lead to a yeast infection in the vagina. This is because the antibiotics kill bacteria that support vaginal health…. Bacitracin vs. Neosporin: What's the difference? Medically reviewed by Dena Westphalen, Pharm. Comparison Uses Pros and cons Alternatives Summary Neosporin is a brand of triple-antibiotic ointment.

Share on Pinterest People with weak immune systems may benefit from antibiotic ointments, as they can reduce the risk of infection. Pros and cons. Latest news Adolescent depression: Could school screening help? Exposure to air pollutants may amplify risk for depression in healthy individuals. Related Coverage. What to know about antibiotics and tooth infections. How to recognize and treat an infected wound. As for Neosporin, it is not for use in deep cuts or injuries, but you can use it to help treat pain, itching, and scars in specific formulations.

It comes in several forms, including ointment, cream, foam, and spray. For minor cuts, you could likely use either Neosporin or Polysporin with the latter having an edge if you need a formulation for scars, itching, or pain. However, if it's something more serious, you might need to talk to your doctor about more appropriate treatment options.

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.

However, the risk reduction was minimal compared to placebo and antiseptics. The authors of the study suggested that because of antibiotic resistance, topical antibiotics do have an important place, and antiseptics can be considered an alternative to topical antibiotics such as bacitracin or Neosporin.

Studies have not directly compared bacitracin to Neosporin. Interestingly, a JAMA study concluded that white petrolatum is a safe and effective wound care ointment. White petrolatum has an equally low infection rate and less risk for an allergic reaction when compared to bacitracin. The best topical ointment is the one that works for you with the fewest reactions. It is also a good idea to keep a tube on hand as part of your first aid kit. Check with your healthcare provider if you have any questions on which antibiotic ointment is better for you, especially if you have a history of allergies to topical antibiotics or if your wound is deep or oozing, meaning that it could already be infected.

Occasionally, they may be covered in generic form by some plans. You can save money on bacitracin with a SingleCare card, but you will need your doctor to issue a prescription. Even though bacitracin is OTC, your pharmacist will have to process a prescription in order for a discount to apply. Try the SingleCare prescription discount card.

Both medications tend to be very well tolerated. You may have mild skin irritation or contact dermatitis from either medication. With either medication, seek emergency medical attention if you develop any signs of an allergic reaction, which include hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.

A rare, but very serious side effect of neomycin, which is in Neosporin, is hearing loss. However, it is very unlikely to occur with the topical medication.