Is Neosporin Bad For You?
Short answer
Other than a possibility of bacteria developing immunity and rare side-effects, Neosporin is a great thing to have around the house.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
Neosporin is a topical antibacterial cream used for treating small wounds (such as small cuts and scrapes) and minor infections. While Neosporin is generally safe to use and side-effects are rare, the following may occur: burning, redness, skin irritation. Furthermore, Neosporin can be dangerous if swallowed or put in the eyes. Very rarely will more serious side-effects occur such as fungal infection or infection of a different bacterial strain.
In the rare case that you are allergic to any of the ingredients (including neomycin sulfate, Polymyxin B, Pramoxine, and Bacitracin), do not use Neosporin.
While most people can take Neosporin and expect to have no problems, anyone who has a history of skin problems should consult a doctor before using it. Also, it should be remembered that Neosporin is designed to treat mild cuts and infections. It is not to be used in lieu of stitches or if there is a major infection.
With side-effects an uncommon occurrence and hospitalization due to use extremely rare, Neosporin does what it was made to do and solidly earns its grade. If there is one downside, however, it would be in the case of overuse. As Neosporin has active antibacterial properties, it is feasible that using it enough could cause various strains of bacteria to evolve and become resistant.
Possible short-term side effects
- skin irritation (rare)
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burning (rare)
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redness (rare)
Possible long-term side effects
- bacteria may become resistant
Ingredients to be aware of
- neomycin sulfate
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polymyxin b
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pramoxine
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bacitracin
Benefits
- helps small wounds heal faster
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stops/prevents bacterial infection
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easy to use
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Written by Jeff Volling
Published on: 02-11-2016
Last updated: 12-10-2016
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Jeff Volling
Published on: 02-11-2016
Last updated: 12-10-2016
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