Is neosporin or petroleum jelly a better antibacterial ointment?

Petroleum jelly has no significant antibacterial effect beyond acting as a barrier to their location. As a barrier it can be helpful. If germs are trapped under a layer of petroleum jelly they are free to multiply and cause infection..

Neosporin is an antibacterial ointment. Petroleum Jelly just helps to maintain moisture in order to prevent scarring. For a wound, beginning with neosporin helps to prevent infection. After a few days, switching to petroleum jelly helps to keep the skin moist and elastic and will allow the wound to heal with less scarring.

The up to date wound guidelines are to clean the wound when it occurs with peroxide or soap and water. After that, daily with soap and water. Neosporin with neomycin does cause allergy and delayed healing in may people. The standard of care is to start with white petroleum. If you have a nasty cut, animal bite, the recommended over the counter antibiotic ointment preferred is plain Bacitracin.