Is Vaseline the same as antibiotic ointment?

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.
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What is a good substitute for antibiotic ointment?

As long as the wound is cleaned daily, it is not necessary to use an antibiotic ointment. Apply plain petroleum jelly to keep the wound moist. To prevent spreading dirt and bacteria, choose petroleum jelly that comes in a tube instead of a jar. Keep the wound covered with an adhesive bandage.
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Why do doctors recommend Vaseline instead of Neosporin?

Myth #3: A topical antibiotic cream improves wound healing.

A study comparing white petroleum ointments (such as Vaseline or Aquaphor) with an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment (such as Polysporin, Neosporin or Bacitracin) showed no significant difference in wound infection rate.
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Is it better to put Vaseline or antibiotic ointment on stitches?

The infection rate was no different between using Vaseline and antibiotic ointments. However, antibiotic ointment can cause allergic reactions and is more expensive than Vaseline. Hence, Vaseline is recommended which is inexpensive and non-allergenic.
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Can you use Vaseline as a healing ointment?

Help injured skin heal.

For minor wounds such as cuts, scrapes, and scratches, use petroleum jelly to keep the wound moist. This helps prevent the wound from drying out and forming a scab, as scabs take longer to heal. This will also help prevent a scar from getting too large, deep or itchy.
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Impending Abscess

Does Vaseline work as antibiotic ointment?

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.
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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.
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When should you stop putting Vaseline on a wound?

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. A dressing (e.g. a plaster or gauze & tape) can be applied to protect the wound and keep it clean.
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What ointment is best for wound healing?

Antibiotic Ointments (e.g., Neosporin, Bacitracin): Suitable for minor cuts and scrapes to prevent infection. Aloe Vera-Based Ointments: Ideal for first-degree burns to soothe and hydrate the skin. Silver Sulfadiazine (Silvadene): Commonly used for second-degree burns to prevent infection and promote healing.
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Do dermatologists recommend using Vaseline?

Alleviating itching. Atopic dermatitis is a skin condition that causes patches of dry, flaky, and itchy skin. Dermatologists often recommend petroleum jelly and similar ointments as a treatment for atopic dermatitis.
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Why do dermatologists say not to use Neosporin?

Neosporin: Using this antibiotic ointment when you don't need it is asking for problems. First, using it on noninfected skin will kill off the healthy bacteria you want on your skin and will let resistant stronger bad bacteria thrive. Also, neosporin is more commonly becoming a potent allergen.
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What is the number one antibiotic ointment?

NEOSPORIN® is the number-one doctor recommended brand of topical antibiotic in the US. You can find a range of available products here.
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When should you not use antibiotic ointment?

As long as the wound is cleaned daily, it is not necessary to use an antibiotic ointment. Apply plain petroleum jelly to keep the wound moist. To prevent spreading dirt and bacteria, choose petroleum jelly that comes in a tube instead of a jar. Keep your wound covered with an adhesive bandage.
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What do doctors 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.
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Is it bad to leave Vaseline on overnight?

Dr. Lindsey Zubritsky, a board-certified dermatologist with over 400,000 TikTok followers, recommends a "very thin layer" over your whole face — especially during the winter months. "By adding this as the final step to your nighttime regimen, it works well to keep skin moisturized and hydrated all night long…
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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.
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What is the yellowish fluid that oozes from the wound?

Purulent drainage: Purulent drainage, the thickest of the three types, is white, yellow or brown fluid. It indicates that bacteria entered your wound and caused an infection. Infections can be harmful to your body, so this fluid needs treatment. It may have an unpleasant odor.
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Is Vaseline better than antibiotic ointment?

Triple antibiotic ointments, such as Neosporin have long been the go-to options for treating and disinfecting minor cuts and wounds. However, the medical community has shifted to urge people to make the switch to using plain ol' petroleum jelly instead.
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What is the closest thing to antibiotics over the counter?

What Is the Closest Thing to Antibiotics Over the Counter?
  • Bacitracin (Neosporin)
  • Benzoyl Peroxide (Polysporin)
  • Neomycin (Neosporin + Pain Relief)
  • Polymyxin (Proactiv)
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What heals cuts fast?

An unclean wound may cause a bacterial infection to occur. Once the wound is clean, there are several techniques to speed up the healing process. These include the use of antibacterial ointments, turmeric, aloe vera, garlic, and coconut oil. A person should seek medical help right away if their wound is large.
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Why avoid Vaseline?

Studies suggest that exposure to PAHs — including skin contact over extended periods of time — is associated with cancer. On this basis, the European Union classifies petrolatum a carcinogen ii and restricts its use in cosmetics. PAHs in petrolatum can also cause skin irritation and allergies.
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What are the disadvantages of using Vaseline?

These side effects include allergies, infections, clogged pores, and hydrocarbon exposure. Petroleum jelly runs a high risk of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) contaminants linked to cancer. The European Union restricts the use of petrolatum in cosmetics and has set a PAH limit as well.
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What's the difference between petroleum jelly and Vaseline?

Petroleum jelly is an occlusive moisturiser, meaning that it seals moisture into the skin. Use petroleum jelly on your hands and body, including your face to keep your skin hydrated and moisturised. Vaseline® forms a barrier that prevents water from leaving your skin and helps your skin retain its moisture.
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