What antibiotic cream is better than Neosporin?

Author: Clair Blanda Jr.  |  Last update: Saturday, August 30, 2025

Neosporin contains three active ingredients, whereas Polysporin contains two and bacitracin contains one. Keep in mind, having more active ingredients doesn't necessarily mean the ointment will work better. For some wounds, bacitracin may work just as well as Polysporin or Neosporin.

What is the strongest antibiotic cream over-the-counter?

NEOSPORIN® is the number-one doctor recommended brand of topical antibiotic in the US. You can find a range of available products here.

What do dermatologists recommend instead of Neosporin?

For this reason, we often recommend Polysporin. Polysporin does not have neomycin, it just has polymixin and bacitracin. Although patients can be allergic to any medication, allergy to these medicines is very uncommon.

What should you use instead of Neosporin?

Alternatives. Petroleum jelly products, such as Vaseline, can be good alternatives to bacitracin or Neosporin. The jelly keeps wounds from drying out, which can prevent or ease itching and other unpleasant symptoms.

What ointment is best for wound healing?

Ointments for Wound Care
  • Bacitracin. Bacitracin can be found in just about every over-the-counter antibiotic ointment on the market. ...
  • Bacitracin and Polymyxin B (Polysporin) The common brand name for this medication is Polysporin. ...
  • Bacitracin, Polymyxin B, and Neomycin (Neosporin)

Antibiotic Ointments: Dermatologist Dr. Rogers explains why you likely don't need it

What cream makes wounds heal faster?

Elastoplast Wound Healing Ointment can be used at any stage of the healing process on superficial open wounds and damaged skin. A moist healing environment has been clinically proven to aid and speed up the natural wound healing process.

Why is Neosporin no longer recommended?

Neomycin frequently causes allergic reactions of the skin called contact dermatitis. It can cause the skin to become red, scaly, and itchy. The more Neosporin you use, the worse the skin reaction gets.

Is there a stronger antibiotic cream than Neosporin?

Neosporin contains three active ingredients, whereas Polysporin contains two and bacitracin contains one. Keep in mind, having more active ingredients doesn't necessarily mean the ointment will work better. For some wounds, bacitracin may work just as well as Polysporin or Neosporin.

What helps open wounds heal faster?

Wounds heal faster if they are kept warm. Try to be quick when changing dressings. Exposing a wound to the open air can drop its temperature and may slow healing for a few hours. Don't use antiseptic creams, washes or sprays on a chronic wound.

Is Vaseline better than Neosporin for healing?

Studies show that petroleum jelly is just as effective as an antibiotic ointment for non-infected wounds. Don't douse a minor wound with antiseptics like iodine or hydrogen peroxide. They're actually harmful to the skin and can delay healing.

Which antibiotic cream is best for skin infections?

Mupirocin Cream or Ointment. Mupirocin ointment is a medication that treats bacterial skin infections. It prevents bacteria growth and kills existing bacteria on your skin. You can rub this medication on your affected skin.

What do dermatologists recommend for wound healing?

We recommend that you apply Aquaphor or Vaseline to a Band-Aid or Telfa pad (non-stick gauze) with tape. If you prefer not to use a band-aid, apply a thick coat of Vaseline or Aquaphor twice daily. Keep the wound covered with Aquaphor or Vaseline at all times until for 2 weeks.

Is MediHoney better than Neosporin?

A moist wound is 10000x better than a dry wound...but if it is moist, it needs to be debridged. MediHoney and AmeriGel will do this while simultaneously keeping a wound moist and within parameters (such as pH) designed to promote healing. Neosporin or Bacitation Zinc or any traditional topical will do none of this.

What is the strongest natural antibiotic for skin?

Seven best natural antibiotics
  1. Garlic. Cultures across the world have long recognized garlic for its preventive and curative powers. ...
  2. Honey. Since ancient times, people have used honey due to its wound-healing activity and antimicrobial properties. ...
  3. Ginger. ...
  4. Echinacea. ...
  5. Goldenseal. ...
  6. Clove. ...
  7. Oregano.

Can you put too much Neosporin on a wound?

If you do use Neosporin or other antibiotic ointments, you shouldn't use large amounts. And you shouldn't apply them for longer than one week. You should never use Neosporin on a deep or large cut. A doctor should always treat more serious wounds.

What is the best antiseptic for open wounds?

Iodine. For more than a century, iodine has been regarded as one of the most efficacious antiseptic to reduce infectious complications and topical iodine forms have been used for wound treatment.

What ointment heals wounds the fastest?

Hansaplast Wound Healing Ointment creates a breathable film that protects the wound from external influences while preventing the wound from drying out. This is clinically proven to promote faster wound healing and reduce the risk of scarring. The Hansaplast Wound Healing Ointment is very skin friendly.

What does a sepsis scab look like?

A sepsis scab is not your ordinary skin abrasion. Imagine it as a dark, ominous cloud on your skin, often appearing red, swollen, and warm to the touch. Unlike regular scabs, sepsis-related scabs are typically surrounded by discolored skin and may ooze pus or other fluids.

Do wounds heal faster covered or uncovered?

Wounds need to be covered so that they can heal properly. When a wound is left uncovered, the new surface cells that are being created can easily dry out. When these important cells dry out, it tends to slow down the healing process. A wound should be covered using a clean bandage.

Why do doctors say not to use Neosporin?

"It is a common source of allergic contact dermatitis," which can cause itchy, pink splotches or a rash, Dr. Hirsch says, adding that it was named the 2010 Allergen of the Year by the American Contact Dermatitis Society. (You can just tell they know how to throw a party.)

What are good alternatives to Neosporin?

  • Bacitracin topical.
  • SMZ-TMP DS.
  • Triple Antibiotic.
  • Co-trimoxazole.
  • Septra.
  • Septra DS.

Can you use too much antibiotic ointment?

Do not use large amounts of this medication, apply it more often, or use it for a longer period than directed. Your condition may not improve faster, and the risk for side effects may be increased. Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it.

Is Vaseline better than Neosporin?

They gave small skin wounds to human participants and applied Vaseline or Neosporin. The people who applied Vaseline healed faster than those who applied Neosporin to their wounds. This suggests that Neosporin kills the bacteria and makes the wounds heal slower, Garza said.

What heals cuts fast?

Antibacterial ointment

A person can treat a wound with several over-the-counter (OTC) antibacterial ointments, which can help prevent infections. They can also help a wound heal more quickly. One review of 27 animal model studies showed that antibacterial treatments played a positive role in helping wounds heal faster.

Is peroxide good for cuts?

Clean With Hydrogen Peroxide or Alcohol? FALSE. Using hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol to clean an injury can actually harm the tissue and delay healing. The best way to clean a minor wound is with cool running water and mild soap.

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