Neosporin is a well-known line of products used to treat minor skin infections and wounds. Because eczema can sometimes become infected, some people wonder whether Neosporin products can help with eczema patches — even if they’re not infected.

So, can you put Neosporin on eczema? The answer depends on the potential risks and benefits. If you have eczema, it’s important to talk to a healthcare professional before trying any new over-the-counter (nonprescription) products on your skin. Some ingredients in skin care products can trigger eczema or make symptoms worse.

What Is Neosporin?

Neosporin is a brand of topical antibiotic ointments and creams. It can be used on open wounds to treat minor infections. Johnson & Johnson, the company behind Neosporin, makes several antibiotic products under the Neosporin brand, including creams and gels. Neosporin also offers special formulations of the original product, such as Neosporin + Pain, Itch, Scar.

It’s worth noting that Johnson & Johnson once sold a line called Neosporin Eczema Essentials line. This included Neosporin Eczema Essentials Daily Moisturizing Cream and an anti-itch cream that contained a topical steroid. However, these products have been discontinued and are no longer available.

This article focuses on the original antibiotic ointment, Neosporin Original. Other Neosporin products with the same active ingredients may work similarly, but they could contain additional active and inactive ingredients that might irritate sensitive skin.

Neosporin Original contains three active ingredients, all of which are antibiotics:

• Bacitracin zinc
• Neomycin sulfate
• Polymyxin B sulfate

These ingredients work together to prevent and treat infections on small areas of damaged skin. They’re generally effective at preventing and treating most bacterial infections that can occur in wounds. However, they cannot prevent all types of skin infections.

Can Neosporin Be Used on Skin With Eczema?

Many people wonder whether they can put Neosporin on skin affected by eczema or if the ointment can help with eczema symptoms.

There is some debate as to whether Neosporin should be used on skin with eczema. On the one hand, it’s common for areas of skin affected by eczema to become infected. This is especially true if the skin has cracked open, or if itching and scratching has caused it to open. Open skin makes it easier for bacteria to enter and cause infections. People with eczema may also get cuts, scrapes, and burns that have nothing to do with eczema but are still at risk of infection.

Currently, there isn’t enough research to support using Neosporin if you have eczema. It’s important to talk to your healthcare provider to decide whether Neosporin might be right for your specific skin needs.

MyEczemaTeam Members on Using Neosporin for Eczema

While Neosporin is not officially recommended for eczema, some people with eczema still use it as a home remedy. Some members of MyEczemaTeam have shared their experiences:

• “I use hydrocortisone and Neosporin mixed together as a remedy for my eczema.”
• “I use a little hydrocortisone, Neosporin, Vaseline, and cocoa butter everywhere it starts to break out.”

Remember, everyone’s skin is different. Always talk to a healthcare professional before trying any home remedies on your skin to avoid side effects, allergic reactions, or worsening eczema symptoms.

Risks of Using Neosporin on Skin With Eczema

Even though eczema can lead to skin infections, most health experts don’t recommend Neosporin for people with eczema. This is mainly because of the risk of a skin reaction called contact dermatitis. Active or inactive ingredients in Neosporin products may cause contact dermatitis, which could worsen eczema and cause new flare-ups.

Contact Dermatitis

Contact dermatitis is a general term for a skin reaction that happens when the skin comes into contact with something that irritates it. Many substances can cause contact dermatitis, and it can affect anyone — even those without eczema.

Studies suggest that people with atopic dermatitis — the most common form of eczema — may have a greater risk of developing contact dermatitis. This means you should be cautious with Neosporin or avoid it entirely.

While any ingredient in Neosporin could cause a reaction, the antibiotic neomycin is the most likely to trigger contact dermatitis. Neomycin is found in many over-the-counter products, so it’s hard to know exactly how many people react to it. However, the American Contact Dermatitis Society named neomycin the Contact Allergen of the Year in 2010, highlighting its potential to cause skin reactions.

Several MyEczemaTeam members have shared their experiences with these kinds of skin reactions.

• “I had an eczema flare-up on my hands, which led to an infection around my nail bed. I tried some salve, which inflamed it horribly … this also happens with Neosporin. Does anyone else have allergic reactions to ointments?”
• “I am allergic to Neosporin. It causes redness and swelling in the area.”

While not everyone with eczema will react negatively to Neosporin, it’s important to be aware of the possibility.

Using Neosporin If You Have Eczema

If you have cuts, scrapes, burns, or open wounds and are considering Neosporin, talk to your doctor or dermatologist first. They can help you decide whether it’s a good option for you or recommend alternatives to Neosporin.

If you and your doctor decide to try Neosporin, you can find it at most pharmacies or drug stores. If you don’t see it, ask a pharmacist for help. Be sure to choose the original ointment and follow the directions on the package. Neosporin comes in different formulations, which may contain different active and inactive ingredients. If you have any questions or need to use Neosporin on a large area of skin, check with your doctor before applying it.

Test Your Skin’s Reaction to Neosporin

Your dermatology team may suggest testing a new product on a small area of your skin before using it more widely, to see how you react to it. The American Academy of Dermatology Association recommends these steps to test out a new skin care product:

1. Choose a small area of skin that isn’t currently affected by eczema.
2. Apply a thin layer of Neosporin on this area and wait a few hours.
3. If your skin doesn’t react, continue to apply small amounts of Neosporin to the same area twice a day for seven to 10 days.
4. If your skin still doesn’t react to the Neosporin, try applying Neosporin on a larger section of skin.
5. If your skin does react, wash the patch of skin and stop using Neosporin. You can use petroleum jelly or a cool compress to relieve irritation if needed. For severe reactions, call your doctor.

If your eczema becomes infected or hard to manage, speak with a healthcare provider or dermatologist. They can help you create a skin care plan and discuss prescription treatment options with you. While over-the-counter products like Neosporin may seem convenient, you’ll want to avoid anything that could worsen your eczema.

Talk With Others Who Understand

MyEczemaTeam is the social network for people with eczema and their loved ones. On MyEczemaTeam, more than 54,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with eczema.

Are you considering Neosporin for eczema? Have you tried it before? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.