Will Neosporin reduce scarring?

Author: Prof. Lonzo Ziemann DDS  |  Last update: Thursday, January 8, 2026

Antibiotic ointments such as bacitracin and Neosporin may slightly reduce the risk of wound infection and scarring. However, other options may work as well and present fewer risks. Most people do not need to use special ointments on minor injuries as long as they keep their wounds clean.

Does Neosporin help scars go away?

Application of a triple antibiotic ointment (such as over-the-counter Bacitracin, Neosporin or Polysporin) three times a day to the wound for a full three weeks helps prevent infection and creates a better foundation for improved long-term scar appearance.

What is the best thing to use to reduce scarring?

Treatment for scars
  • silicone dressings or gels.
  • steroid injections or cream.
  • cryotherapy (a treatment to freeze the scar)
  • laser therapy.
  • skin camouflage (creams and powders you use to cover your scar)

Does Neosporin promote skin healing?

The goal of this award is to bring awareness to commonly used products that are under-recognized as common allergens. Polymyxin B and bacitracin can cause contact dermatitis as well. It's also important to understand that Neosporin does not speed up wound healing compared to petrolatum.

Does Vaseline reduce scarring?

So, if you've had a cut or a burn, Vaseline jelly applied to the area will form a protective barrier, thus reducing the appearance of scars.

What kills scar tissue?

Laser surgery.

Most laser therapy for scars is done in conjunction with other treatments, including injections of steroids, use of special dressings, and the use of bandages. Multiple treatments may be required, regardless of the initial type of therapy. Pulse dye laser is a good choice to use for keloids.

Why do dermatologists say no to Neosporin?

However, most dermatologists do not recommend using Neosporin. 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.

Is Aquaphor or Neosporin better for scars?

Significant improvements in erythema (Days 7-18), edema (Days 4 and 7), epithelial confluence (Days 7-18), and general wound appearance (Days 7-18) were observed with Aquaphor compared with Neosporin and Polysporin (p <= . 007). No differences were observed between Neosporin and Polysporin for any clinical parameters.

What is better for healing Vaseline or 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 scars the fastest?

Use silicone products

Silicone products, such as silicone sheets and gels, can keep your scar moisturized and help it heal. You can use them under your makeup and clothing.

When should you stop putting vaseline on a wound?

This will help keep the wound moist and allow it to heal faster with less scarring. Continue applying the petroleum jelly until the wound has fully healed. Open wounds heal more slowly. A large wound can take 4 weeks or more to heal.

Does rubbing a scar help it fade?

Massage is a way of softening and flattening scars and reducing the adhesions between the different layers of the tissue, making the scar tissue more flexible.

How to prevent a scar from forming?

What You Can Do to Avoid Scars
  1. Keep cuts and scrapes clean and covered. For minor injuries, Fisher stresses the importance of keeping them clean and protected. ...
  2. Avoid scratching or picking scabs. Healing wounds may itch, but you should avoid the temptation to scratch them. ...
  3. Get help for serious skin injuries.

Is it OK to put Neosporin on a scar?

You only want to use a basic ointment for this initial period of moisturization like bacitracin, neosporin, aquaphor or vaseline. Ointments are more moisturizing than creams, and creams sometimes have ingredients that could irritate a healing incision.

Does Neosporin promote healing?

There's no evidence that antibacterial ointments help minor wounds heal faster. If you're generally healthy and your wound is minor, it will probably heal just as well without Neosporin. Unless instructed by your healthcare provider, you should never use Neosporin or other antibacterial ointments on: A surgical wound.

Does Aquaphor flatten scars?

By keeping the wound moist and protected from external irritants, Aquaphor provides an optimal environment for tissue regeneration and re-epithelialization. This enables the skin to heal properly with minimal scarring. Regular application helps minimize permanent marks or discoloration.

What is the downside to Neosporin?

A very serious allergic reaction to this product is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects.

What speeds up wound healing?

Fresh fruits and vegetables eaten daily will also supply your body with other nutrients essential to wound healing such as vitamin A, copper and zinc. It may help to supplement your diet with extra vitamin C. Keep your wound dressed. Wounds heal faster if they are kept warm.

Why can't you put Neosporin on your face?

Neosporin is not the most effective treatment for acne. Only one of the three active ingredients may be effective against P. acnes, which is the most common bacterium that causes acne. Two of the active ingredients in Neosporin can also cause allergic contact dermatitis.

How to fade scars quickly?

There is no way to completely remove a scar. However, the appearance of a scar minimizing can usually be improved. For non-raised scars, surgery may be an option used to alter a scar's shape to make it less noticeable. Dermabrasion, microneedling, and laser resurfacing can help to make scars 'blend in'.

What breaks up scar tissue the best?

Massage. Deep tissue massage and cross-friction massage are two manual therapies that improve mobility, promote healing, break up existing scar tissue, and help prevent it from forming. Scar tissue massage also helps with those aches and pains that develop when tight areas and adhesions impede healthy movement.

Can vaseline remove scars?

Cocoa butter cream and Vaseline are most often used to help reduce the appearance of scars. Applying the ointment daily will help heal scars but will not make them invisible. Another tip for caring for your scars includes surgery. Surgery will not eliminate the scar but can change its shape or make it less noticeable.

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