GA
A 18-year-old female asked:
Is neosporin or petroleum jelly a better antibacterial ointment?
3 doctor answers • 8 doctors weighed in
Dr. James Fergusonanswered
Pediatrics 48 years experience
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..
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Reviewed Apr 21, 2022
Dr. Yvette Kratzberganswered
Pediatrics 26 years experience
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.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Reviewed Apr 20, 2022
Dr. Patricia Allamonanswered
Family Medicine 16 years experience
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.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Reviewed Apr 24, 2022
Last updated Apr 24, 2022
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