Neosporin Skin Ointment is a dermatological medication that belongs to the class of 'antibiotics' and is primarily used to treat bacterial skin infections. Neosporin Skin Ointment is used as a first aid antibiotic to prevent infections in minor cuts, scrapes, or burns on the skin. Bacterial skin infection occurs when bacteria penetrate through hair follicles or the broken skin and cause infection.

Neosporin Skin Ointment is composed of three antibiotic medicines: Bacitracin, Neomycin, and Polymyxin B. Bacitracin is a bacteriostatic medicine that works by inhibiting the bacterial cell wall synthesis. Neomycin prevents the synthesis of essential proteins required by bacteria to carry out vital functions. Polymyxin B destroys the bacterial membranes by binding to the phospholipids on cell membranes of gram-negative bacteria. This process of binding causes the loss of essential metabolites in bacteria. Together, Neosporin Skin Ointment treats bacterial skin infections.

Your doctor will advise the appropriate dose that suits your infection. Common side effects of Neosporin Skin Ointment include itching, skin irritation, rash, redness, and swelling at the application site. These side effects may not occur in every patient using this medication and differ individually. If the side effects persist longer or worsen, please seek a doctor's advice.

Inform your doctor if you are sensitive to Neosporin Skin Ointment or other medications. Do not apply Neosporin Skin Ointment on deep puncture wounds, serious burns, deep cuts or an animal bite. Let your doctor know if you have viral or fungal skin infections, chronic ear infections, and ruptured ear drum before using Neosporin Skin Ointment. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult their doctor before starting Neosporin Skin Ointment. 

Neosporin Skin Ointment is composed of three antibiotic medicines, namely Bacitracin, Neomycin, and Polymyxin B. Bacitracin is a bacteriostatic medicine (that stops the growth or reproduction of bacteria). It works by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis. Neomycin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic and prevents the synthesis of essential proteins required by bacteria to carry out vital functions. Polymyxin B, an antibiotic, destroys the bacterial membrane by binding to the phospholipids on the cell membranes of gram-negative bacteria. This process of binding causes the loss of essential metabolites in bacteria. Together, Neosporin Skin Ointment treats bacterial skin infections.

Let your doctor know if you have viral or fungal skin infections, chronic ear infections, and ruptured ear drum before using Neosporin Skin Ointment. Avoid applying Neosporin Skin Ointment on sunburns, lesions, blisters and open wounds. Do not wash the treated areas for a minimum of 3 hours after you apply Neosporin Skin Ointment. Let your doctor know if you plan to become pregnant, are already pregnant or are a lactating mother before using Neosporin Skin Ointment. Use Neosporin Skin Ointment in children more than 2 years only if a doctor recommends it.

• Use mild soap while taking baths and prefer warm baths.
• Always wear loose-fitting clothes to avoid further sweat and spreading skin infection.
• Do not scratch the affected skin area.
• Avoid sharing towels, combs, bedsheets, shoes or socks with others.
• Wash your bed sheets and towels regularly.
• Avoid or limit the intake of alcohol and caffeine.
• Manage stress, eat healthily, drink plenty of water, exercise regularly, and get plenty of sleep.

• It is advised to contact your doctor if the infection symptoms persist or worsen after two weeks of treatment.
• Avoid contact of Neosporin Skin Ointment with nose, mouth or eyes. If Neosporin Skin Ointment accidentally comes in contact with these areas, rinse with water thoroughly. 

Bacterial skin infection: Bacterial skin infection occurs when bacteria penetrate through hair follicles or the broken skin breaks and cause infection. Symptoms include redness, pain, and tenderness of the skin, minor bumps or boils, rashes, blisters, cracked/dry skin, swelling, stinging or burning sensation, pus formation, and itching. Bacterial skin infections are generally mild and can be treated using topical antibiotics. Sometimes, for a severe infection, an oral antibiotic may be required. Common bacterial infections include cellulitis (red and swollen skin), erysipelas (large patches on the skin), impetigo (red sores on the face), folliculitis (inflammation of hair follicles), and carbuncles (pus-filled bumps).