2/7/2020 Say No to Neosporin

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Say No to Neosporin
INTRODUCTION

Many of us think a well-equipped first aid kit should

include Neosporin – and that Neosporin should be applied
generously if an injury breaks the skin in an area affected
by lymphedema. New evidence indicates that Neosporin
may not be appropriate for everyone and using only a thin
layer protects against infection and reduces the risk of
becoming allergic. Say "NO" to Neosporin for treating
lymphedema related infections.
WHAT IS NEOSPORIN?

Neosporin is a first-aid ointment available without a prescription that contains three antibiotic
ingredients in a petroleum jelly base.
First aid ointment can be used to treat minor skin injuries. If you have deep cuts, puncture
wounds, animal bites, serious burns, or injuries affecting large areas of skin, call your doctor
or get emergency medical help. Neosporin may be recommended for home care after minor
surgery but this is becoming less common.
Brand Names include: Medi-Quik, Mycitracin, Neosporin, and Triple Antibiotic.
Generic Names are: bacitracin, neomycin, and polymyxin B (topical).
The active ingredients in Neosporin are three antibiotics that fight different types of infection:
neomycin, polysporin, and bacitracin.

ALLERGIC REACTIONS

Any of the antibiotics in Neosporin can cause an allergic reaction. Neomycin allergy is the most
common and it appears that more people are becoming sensitive to Neomycin.
Most allergic reactions affect only area treated with Neosporin (allergic contact dermatitis).
More severe reactions with hives, difficulty breathing or swallowing, swelling of the face,
throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs, are rare and potentially
dangerous, seek medical treatment immediately.
Allergic reactions can interfere with wound healing. Redness and discharge from an allergic
reaction may be mistaken for signs of infection.
The first signs of an allergic reaction may be redness, skin pain, irritation, burning, swelling,
itching, rash, or hives. The skin may weep or develop blisters. The onset of symptoms of
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2/7/2020 Say No to Neosporin

neomycin allergy may be delayed up to a week from the first use.

Allergic reactions to ointments are more common in those who are over 70. Risk of neomycin
allergy is greater in skin with poor circulation (due to lymphedema or stasis dermatitis).
If an area that should be healing is getting worse, despite diligent applications of Neosporin,
there is a problem. Stop using Neosporin and check with your doctor if you have a minor skin
injury and your symptoms do not go away within one week.

DO NOT IGNORE THE PROBLEM!

If you have an allergic reaction, contact your medical care provider. Frequently the problem
will resolve quickly if Neosporin is discontinued.

NEOSPORIN: YES OR NO?

YES! Neosporin is effective at speeding healing, reducing infection rates, and minimizing
scarring, if you are not allergic. Apply a small amount to the injured skin; a thin layer is all
that is needed.
NO! Not if you know you are allergic to Neosporin or related antibiotics (ask your doctor).
Risk of allergic reaction increases with repeated exposure. If you have used Neosporin many
times you are more likely to develop an allergy.

REPLACE THE NEOSPORIN IN YOUR FIRST AID KIT!

Ask your medical care provider or pharmacist to recommend a replacement based on your drug
sensitivities. Alternatives include:
If you are allergic to Neomycin: Bacitracin and Polymyxin combination (Duospore,
Polysporin, or Double Antibiotic), or Bacitracin alone.
Non-antibiotic creams: white petrolatum, Aquaphor Healing Ointment, etc.

REFERENCES

Epinions.com
Medline Plus. Neomycin, Polymyxin, and Bacitracin Topical. Reviewed 2010-08-01.
Medscape Reference: Allergic Contact Dermatitis. Updated 2011-09-14.
Neosporin Topical on Drugs.com
 
© LymphNotes.com 2012. This information does not replace the advice of a qualified health
care professional.
Got a question or comment? Post in the 'How Lymphedema is Treated' forum.
Category: How Lymphedema is Treated Updated: 2012-10-24

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This information does not replace the advice of a qualified health care professional.
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