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Does a bad reaction hurt more when you applied the offending substance deliberately to help with healing? It may not, but certainly the knowledge that the problem might have been avoided can be grating.
That is why many dermatologists now suggest that people avoid using the topical antibiotic neomycin. They have seen severe skin reactions to this compound, and they appear to be more common now than in past decades. This reader found out first-hand how nasty a Neosporin reaction can be.
Neosporin Reaction Became Debilitating:
Q. I am severely allergic to latex, nickel and Neosporin. Now I am off work for two weeks due to a huge ulcerated lesion on my left knuckle.
I had a small paper cut, applied Neosporin and covered the cut with a latex-free bandage. That was a bad idea! I have been to two specialists, who said all I can do is let it heal before I return to work.
A. Neomycin is one of the antibiotics found in Neosporin ointment. Research suggests that one out of ten individuals reacts to neomycin with a nasty rash (Dermatitis, Jan-Feb, 2013).
What to Use Instead:
Some dermatologists now recommend using simple petrolatum on a minor cut to protect it. That avoids contact dermatitis due to an OTC topical antibiotic. Polymyxin and bacitracin, the other ingredients in Neosporin, may also be capable of triggering a reaction (Dermatologic Surgery, Aug., 2013).
Amy
I had bunion surgery 5 weeks ago, which is a painful surgery in and of itself. I put bacitracin on my incision, while it was healing, because I know it’s a better alternative to Neosporin. However, one day I applied Neosporin because it was nearby. BIG mistake. I was not allergic previously, but I guess I am now. My doctor has now prescribed steroid cortisone but it’s 5 days later, and I have not had much relief. I am still in excruciating pain, and my foot is incredibly tight from the inflammation. Any thoughts how long this will last or what more I can do?
Fleet
06260
I became allergic to Neosporin in my thirties, after having a severe case of poison ivy & dermatitis that the Dermatologists treated with steroids. I had a shot of steroids in a walk-in clinic, broke out severely in rashes all over, much worse than the poison ivy I went in there for. Then my dermatologist gave me an oral steroid, which again had the same effect. So, I believe, due to my dermatologists continually giving me steroids, which I was clearly allergic to, I somehow developed an allergy for whatever is in Neosporin. The surface proteins on my cells have been changed and now react to this medicine (release histamines to attack), BANDAIDS that are plastic and cheap, severe dust, ink on office paper (and I work 40+ hours weekly w/ paper :/). I now use Aquafor.
Bonnie G.
I took Neosporin for a minor scratch. I broke out in scaly red bumps on my neck and had to go to my doctor for antibiotics and mupirocin creme. Won’t ever use the product again.
Barbara M
North Carolina
I became allergic to Neosporin sometime in my forties. Only recently told to use a salve (such as Neosporin) on incision where small lump was removed. I used Polysporin but after about 5 days, after the stiches were removed, I noticed that there were the same rash like bumps and redness caused by Neosporin. Polysporin contains Bactracin Zinc and Polyyxin B Sulfate. I don’t know which is the culprit or if both. I am using plain petroleum jelly now since the doctor wanted it kept moist and uncovered. It is on my right jawline and difficult for me to see so that it why it took so long to figure out there was a problem and there was no itching as with the Neosporin allergy.
Lea
Florida
Omg…lame… I, too, am allergic to Triple antibiotic ointments. So much itching it’s unbearable. Made my road rash so much worse.
Michelle
Texas
I’m so glad I kept digging online. I thought I was allergic to the type of band-aids and wraps I was using over the years but I think I’ve tried everything by now and it keeps happening! Any small cut and I have a major problem to deal with. THANK YOU ALL for sharing your experiences and helping me figure this out!!!!!!!!!!!!
Clyde
Michigan
I have had reactions for a while and have some scars from the blistering. I thought it was the bandages. I tried fabric and sensitive skin varieties to stop it. It never occured to me that it was the Neosporin. After a minor wart removal on the foot failed to heal for 3.5 months, it still didn’t register that it was the Neosporin. I was told to slather it on, and that’s what I did. Last night, after an epiphony about that evil salve, I ended up calling the tube a bad name and slamming it into the trash. I feel stupid for not having figured this out way sooner.
Marianne R.
TX
I was treating a deep wound on my leg with neosporin. After several days I started to itch all over my body, and especially around the wound.
It took a long time and my daughter finally suggesting I might be allergic to neosporin. I am quitting it completely and hoping the itching will stop soon.
It never occurred to me that I might be allergic to this medicine but I understand now that several people have had bad reactions from it.
Courtney B
FL
Wow!! I truly thought I was the only one that had this crazy reaction. I mean, Neosporin is a very commonly used, healing topical medicine that is sold everywhere. But I had it all! Yep, the red, itchy, blistering skin, etc… oh and this reaction didn’t begin until I was in my early 30’s (which is even more bizarre).
Well, I did a some research and found Polysporin. It works great, and I have never had a reaction. I have concluded that this is because it has only 2 out of the 3 ingredients as Neosporin… Polymyxin and Bacitracin antibiotics. There is absolutely no Neomycin in Polysporin. ? I hope that helps.
Michelle
Texas
My reactions to the Neosporin didn’t start until I was in my 30’s as well.
joann
Louisiana
Bad rash on tummy from using Neosporin: red bumps, itching. Taking a long time to go away. Hope it does.
LISA
BUFFALO
Having a bad reaction to neosporen, now- it is the lotion, right now, it’s raised rash, red, w/ tiny itchy blisters, on my left shoulder.
Stupid me, remember breaking out from it, tried it again, thinking the lotion would be better than the gel, not the case.
If you are allergic, no matter what, throw in garbage…it is a mess right now
ARTESIA P
GA
Had a 2nd degree burn on wrist that blistered. Scratched it in my sleep and decided to put neosporin on it. It became red, severely itchy, and had little bumps all around it. I then decided that maybe I should try stronger ointment, a triple antibiotic from Walgreens. BIG MISTAKE!!! I ended up with burning, red, itchy bumps all over my hands, shoulders, legs, and upper groin area. Headed to the ER, they gave me Clindamycin (an antibiotic) and steroids. The Clindamycin made it worse. 2 more trips to the ER, one on Christmas Day and the day after. I’m allergic to antibiotics basically, nickle, and zinc. On my last visit they ran blood test, all clear besides elevated white blood cell count due to the steroids, which is normal. I ended up all together getting 3 steroid shots, a topical steroid, and prescribed two antihistamines. As of today, 6 days after my first ER visit, and 2 weeks after the onset of the rash, I am still slightly itchy but the steroids and antihistamines works for like 12 hours this had been horrendous and will be costly once I get my ER bills!!!!! I should add over the years I developed an allergy to nickle and zinc. Zinc is in a lot of ointments. Just be careful and go for natural remedies, my burn actually healed quite nicely using turmeric and olive oil soak. I’ve heard tea tree oil, grapefruit extract, and honey are great as well! Also, to flush the antibiotics out, drink lots of water, eat or take a garlic supplement, and eat organic blue berries and red peppers.
Kay
Colorado
I found out the hard way how nasty an allergic reaction to Neosporin can be. After having two “warts/moles” removed (surface only) for a pathological report, I used the ointment for a few days, covered with a bandaid, directly on the the small wounds. Because healing wasn’t happening, I was very worried about infection and kept up that routine. Next came horrible itching and a VERY red rash that looked like a burn. Now after 3 days of antibiotics and steroids for a week, hopefully I’m on the right track. There WAS no infection to treat and the results of test were benign. Dr. said I should have used Bacitracin.Oops. No more Neosporin for me! Coconut oil and Vitamin E are very soothing now.
Robert
San Francisco , Calif
I’m sitting here waiting to see my doctor and have been reading the comments.
A few days ago I applied some neosporin on a scratch I got a couple of days earlier when we got our Xmas tree .That night I had a itching fit on the area and did scratch it the next morning yesterday my arm was covered with little blisters busting all over.
I then applied cortisone over the rash and again last night the itching wouldn’t stop my arm is swollen and looks horrible.
I should have never done a thing?
Robert
SF
This is Robert again .
Now it’s Monday morning, and I’m back at work. My rash has gone way down after two 1/2 days of rubbing the topical cream my Doctor had prescribed. The rash is not as swollen but you can see the damage done to my skin, almost like a burn scar.
Dana
USA
I’ve had labial fissures for a few months, and after they weren’t healing on their own, I decided to try and active rather than passive approach. I thought Neosporin seemed harmless enough. The skin down there is delicate but, c’mon, “its just Neosporin” I thought. After about 3 days of application I woke up with NASTY itching on my labia and clitoris. I checked and the area was angry inflamed red and a bit oozy and bumpy.
I went to my gyno and she thought it was herpes. Cue me panicking for the next couple of days waiting for test results to come back. Finally got my results back and I tested negative for everything except white blood cells. We’ve narrowed it back to the Neosporin. Rarely am I so careless with my health, but after this week of panic and emotional turmoil and a VERY ANGRY clitoris I will ALWAYS do an allergy test before I apply anything ever again.
Julie
Salt Lake City, Utah
Last week, we were on vacation and I tripped but caught myself with my right hand, worried I had broken my iPhone, I didn’t notice I had cut my left arm. On what? I have no idea. I went into our hotel room and cleaned it, put on Neosporin and a bandage. A few days later I had redness all around the bandage, the next day the redness had blisters all over it.
I figured I had an infection, so I kept adding more Neosporin. I had a pimple on my forehead so popped it and within an hour I had blisters all over my forehead. So, I covered it with Neosporin so as not to get an infection there. A few days later my eyes were swollen and I went to the ER in another state. They gave me a prescription and told me to see my doctor as soon as we returned home.
The next morning my eyes were worse and we decided to return home early from our trip. The next day I say my doctor and he thought I had MRSA. My arm had a 6″ x 4″ sore on it. I thought I was going to lose it. My forehead was covered with blisters and my eyes were so swollen you could hardly see my eyeballs. A culture was taken and blood work was done.
The next day I went back to my doctor, good news; no MRSA, no Staph…what was it? An allergic reaction to Neosporin. I am 62 years old and have used Neosporin for years, never again!
Sally
California
My mom is allergic to Neosporin as well. She had knee replacement surgery and had a horrible reaction to something they used during surgery. Her leg turned bright red and feels hot to the touch. Has anyone else had a similar experience?
Sarah
New York
I am having that experience right now. I’m 35 almost & having my second bout of impetigo, the first being about four years ago. I have Bactroban but I was using Neosporin in between to numb the pain & itchiness & noticed when the Neosporin wore off, my chin was very warm just putting my hand near it. I’m glad I found this place. I won’t be using Neosporin anymore.
dian
massachussetts
I used neosporin on a cut. It’s been a horrid week. Two trips to the doctor, antibiotics, steroids, steroid cream. Costly, painful wrong decision I hope no one I know makes! Of course it’s still on the market and why! It shouldn’t be!!!!
Jay
Kansas
Only certain people become allergic to Neosporin. For those who aren’t allergic, it may work just fine. This doesn’t mean the product needs to be removed from the market. It just means your body cannot tolerate an ingredient in this product.
I just became allergic to Neosporin last week. The reaction happened within 12 hours and it is just now slowly going away. Since I have become allergic to a lot of things over the past few years and just been diagnosed recently with a disorder that affects my immunity system, I recognized my reaction as contact dermatitis by blisters that had appeared.
I did not panic because the ooze was clear and I didn’t have a fever. However, I was finally forced to get a steroid shot and oral steroids due to the intense itch as my body continued to fight the antihistamine I was taking. Hopefully the inflamed skin will go away in a week. Do be sure to notify all doctors that you are allergic to Neosporin..
Best regards,
John
Houston, TX
Similar story as others. I tripped and scraped my knee pretty bad. I immediately cleaned the area with Bactine, applied Neosporin, and then a waterproof bandage. Every day for a whole week it’s been a ritual twice a day to clean, apply Neosporin, and bandage it. While the wound healed, I started breaking out in an ungodly itchy rash.
The skin felt bumpy and stiff that sweated clear liquid. No smell. So I did what any normal person would have done. I applied even MORE Neosporin. Bad idea, the liquid was weeping out so much that it started to soak through my pants at work. And that rash, yeah, reddish purple in color; all in the same shape and size of the bandage that covered it. I’m done with this product! It’s bad Juju.
B
NY
I had used Neosporin hundreds of times throughout my life. I suddenly developed an allergy in my late 30s. My allergy is to Polymyxin.
Dave
Dover, Florida
in my younger years I used Neosporin for evey thing. Then all of a sudden I used it on a cut and I had a major allergic reaction! Hives,skin rash,itchy first in my crotch area then every where. Thank Goodness I was around others who spotted my about to pass out condition told them what I think was happening too me and they had some Dawn dishwashing liquid and Benadryl. Never again. Anyways I have a on again off again problem with varicose ulcer on my ankle. I use petroleum jelly, then change up with Hand lotion with aloe. works for me. Thanks for the message board. ps Im now in my 60s.
Jay
Niles, Illinois
I went to my Aesthetician and had my warts and skin tags removed. She suggested to put antibiotic ointment such as neosporin. It was the biggest mistake that I ever have done in my entire life to date!!! I thought that if I put the neosporin, it will heal right away. NO! I put the neosporin generously on the scar area on my face and accidentally spread to the surrounding areas on my face. At first, I developed some rashes and I thought that it was just a natural reaction since I had the procedure. Wrong again! The rashes became lump of tissues on my face. I felt them and they are a bit hard and extremely itchy. I had to call in sick for the day because my entire face was puffy and swollen. My niece even commented that I look so “different”.
Good thing my physician was able to accommodate me even if in such a short notice. He then described me with two medications – one for the allergy and one for the itchiness. This is the FIRST TIME that this happened to me and it happened right on MY FACE as in literally ON MY FACE! Never again, neosporin! Goodbye!!! I wish I had read this article before I put that neosporin on my face. This a very important lesson learned today, and it hope that this will never happen again to me or to anyone.
MEW
North Carolina
Great to find this site! I used Neosporin for years with absolutely no side effects. Then suddenly a cut, treated with Neosporin, turned into a cut with a rash three times larger than the cut. That rash was far more uncomfortable than the original cut. Doc said I was allergic to neomycin and to change to polysporin. I reacted to that too, although not as bad as Neosporin (at least not yet). I have already gone to the soap and water remedy. I’ll add petroleum jelly for protection. Thanks!
us
U.S.
I have put Neosporin on my back scab but picked it. It turned it into a nasty infection with hot and cold flashes.
J D W
Texas
A relative of mine just had his first reaction to Neosporin and it was severe. A small amount on a cut on his head and is whole head swelled up and he was down for a week. His doctor told him this is a pretty common allergy.
Cynthia
Clarksburg
I had a cut on my face. It was above my eyes and I put Neosporin on it. Around a week later the cuts healed but then I got bumps all over that side where I was using it and they itch.
Mary
Thank you so much for this article!
I’m having trouble with anemia-related dermatitis, and to ward off infection, I had been using bacitracin in petroleum jelly with no problem. The tube ran out and I bought Neosporin because the store where I usually shop suddenly had no simple bacitracin. Boy, do I regret that purchase! Not long after I used it, my skin broke out in a very bumpy, painful rash, and the bumps turned into lesions!
I’m now using straight petroleum jelly on my skin, just to buffer it from clothing. I wasn’t sure whether the rash and Neosporin were simply a coincidence. Now I’m sure they weren’t. Also, thank you Jann for mentioning that neomycin is in the shingles vaccine.
USA
USA
Never again Neosporin after it cost me an infection on my back on my old scab. Had to get antibiotics from doctors.
Russ
ATX
I had diabetic neuropathy in my lower legs, reduced circulation so that salt caused painful swelling, stretching the skin and making it thin. A small, quarter inch square got rubbed off on my right ankle, so I covered it with gauze and applied a drop or two of neosporin. A couple days later it was red and oozing and had grown to an inch square. More Neosporin, 4X4 gauze pads, let doc look at it: no clue. Put me on antibiotics yesterday, then I realized last night that I had put a touch of it on my other ankle, which was now red. So glad I found your site.
Kat
Seattle
I applied Neosporin to a forehead burn caused by a curling iron and had a bad reaction. I thought at first it was that the burn was getting worse instead of better when it became reddened and started constantly oozing a clear liquid, which made me want to apply more Neosporin to prevent infection; and of course, it got progressively worse instead of better. I didn’t make the connection to the Neosporin use until one night I applied some also to some cat scratches on my chest. My chest broke out overnight with a large and very uncomfortable itchy rash. That’s when I made the connection to my burn getting worse instead of better. Anywhere I applied Neosporin was bad news! I stopped applying it to my burn and the oozing stopped and it is hopefully on the path to recovery now. As far as the rash goes on my chest, I think Coritzone isn’t much better than Neosporin. It seems to irritate it more than help it.
What are my treatment options for the rash now that I cannot use Cortizone? And for a burn if you can’t use Neosporin? (They must have a common ingredient.)
Christy
NC
I usually treat rashes with antihistamines; you can take them internally or use a topical cream, like Benadryl. I don’t think it’s the same ingredient causing a reaction in Cortizone creams (a steroid) and Neosporin (Neomycin, Polymyxin, and Bacitracin antibiotics).
For burns, you could try coconut oil, which is antimicrobial, so it could help prevent infection while keeping skin moist. I put a little tea tree oil in mine. I definitely did not react to it as I did to Neosporin. Maybe test a patch of skin to see if it is safe before widespread application. Also, aloe has well known healing properties for burns.
cat
Thank you for this.
I put neosporin on my hand eczema because it was getting dry and cracking and I didn’t want infections, and it came out looking worse than it did before. After looking at other pictures of a neomycin reaction, I definitely think I am allergic to it.
Marge
Wisconsin, USA
If I think I need an antibiotic cream I use Polysporin – I am not allergic to that as I am to Neosporin. But I think soap & water and a band aid is better!
Katie
Wi
Could you by chance post a picture of the one on your face. It would help me a lot please.
julie
California
Hi there, I’ve had the same problems with Neosporin. My doctor gave me a prescription but that was a long time ago. Since then, I’ve been doing better with Iodine/Mercurochrome. Now, I have a burn blister on my foot and looking to find silver cream that doesn’t agitate it like Neosporin would.
Ruth
Pennsylvania
Such helpful information. For several years, I’ve used a neosporin knockoff to treat itchy skin and rashes on my shins and calves. I couldn’t understand why the irritation got worse. I had never heard of an allergic reaction to neosporin before. Most recently, the rash has spread and gotten worse. That started me on this internet search for causes. I’m immediately washing all the neosporin off and using only vaseline . Gosh, I’ve had almost a week of sleepless nights due to the itching. Thank you.
Wilma R.
Giddings, TX
I’m one of the lucky ones. I have used Neosporin for years, & it works great for me. Very fast to heal just about everything.
RN
LA
I too am allergic to nickel (an ingredient in cheap metal jewelry which causes blisters), as well as zinc and mercury derivatives. The latter two are ingredients found in some ointments, sunburn preparations, eye drops and contact solutions. I learned this as a child, after using a facial astringent containing zinc. My sister had a severe reaction to an ophthalmic ointment with mercury.
I always have avoided Neosporin and any other product with the word “zinc” in the ingredients. If used, it will cause raised reddened skin with weeping blisters and severe itching and burning, lasting about a week.
Joanne
Yreka, CA
I was advised years ago NOT to use Neosporin because I am allergic to adhesives.
Michelle
Texas
This is interesting because my allergic reaction has spread to all the areas that would have only been touched by the adhesive part of the the bandaids, just not as bad as the antibiotic areas. Ughhhh, maybe another reaction to figure out.
Bonnie
Washington
I was using Neosporin for months after scratching a bad mosquito bite. It never healed. I finally asked the dermotologist about it and she said some people have a reaction to Neosporin. Although I didn’t have any bad side affects, I now use bacitracin or polysporin with no problem.
Karin
Tucson
I was surprised to read the article about Neosporin. I have been relying on the salve many years; and have never had any bad reactions to it.
Should I stop using it now?
Susan
WA
Why stop using it if it doesn’t cause you any problems?
JBG
IL
Many people use a topical silver gel or spray as an alternative to Neosporin. One such that I have used myself is ASAP365. There are many others.
Topical silver was used routinely in medicine until the advent of antibiotics. If I recall, it was deleted from the US Pharmacopia in 1955. It is now thought of as “alternative”.
Some critics call use of topical silver “quackery”, but there is no question it is effective in killing microbes. In the last few years, silver has begun to be added to clothing, washing machines, and other things for this reason. Whether these latter uses are wise or not is an open question, but the usefulness of topical silver preparations is long established. They work, and they do not lead to “nasty rashes…in one out of ten individuals”.
Paula RH
Orange County, CA
When I found out years ago that I reacted badly to Neosporin (found out I’m sensitive to neomycin), I started using Polysporin. Works great to help heal cuts, scrapes, and burns, with no bad reactions.
Pat
SE Michigan
Many years ago, one of the top doctors/professors at University of Michigan found this same thing to be true. He included the use of peroxide in his findings, I believe. He found that the body will heal itself in these more minor cases. Wish I could think of his name right now.
Luke Thomas
Central Florida
I make my own salve–part pure beeswax, almond and coconut oil (to make the wax into a salve). Then mix a teaspoon of Manuka honey. I used it on wounds that didn’t heal which prescription stuff failed. This beeswax stuff makes healing very rapid. It’s better than Bactroban!
Virginia Barber, M.D.
Crozet, Va
My mother always used IODEX ointment on any cuts, scrapes, ulcers that we developed. Without fail, it worked beautifully….and still does.(I believe she initially found it to use on her horse’s skin !) It is an over-the-counter product.
Herb
DC
I use honey with good results
Jann
Ohio
Those who have trouble with neomycin should be aware it is also in cortisporin otic (prescribed for ear infections) and in the shingles vaccine. I had a horrible reaction to cortisporin otic; my ear swelled so badly that rather than having a “hole” into which one could put a finger, it looked like I had a finger sticking out of my ear! The ear specialist saw it as a reaction to the Neomycin in the Cortisporin Otic, so I am always on the look out for Neomycin. When I asked that my PCP not use Neosporin on me, he said he never uses Neosporin on anyone because too many people are allergic to it. As is the case with other OTC meds, the ads on TV never give any indication Neosporin could cause problems for some people. Clearly only ads for prescription meds are required to warn us of possible negative effects, so OTC meds require even more research than prescribed meds.