Polysporin and neosporin are both antibiotic creams that are sold over the counter in drug stores and grocery stores. There are many different reasons to use an antibiotic cream. Many families keep at least one of these on hand to apply to cuts and scrapes as a way to prevent infection. The mode of use for both is the same. The injury should be cleaned and then antibiotic cream applied before a bandage.
Similarity and Differences
Given their similarity, there is much confusion regarding which option is best. The short answer is that either will likely work equally well for most people. However, there is one major difference between polysporin and neosporin and that difference can cause some issues for some people.
Neosporin contains three antibiotic types. Neosporin has neomycin sulfate, polymyxin B sulfate and bacitracin zinc. In contrast, polysporin only contains the last two of those ingredients, polymyxin B sulfate and bacitracin zinc. As a result, some people prefer neosporin to polysporin because they feel the added antibiotic type increases the efficacy of the product.
On the other hand, some people are better off sticking with the polysporin because the neomycin sulfate can cause allergic reactions in some people. The most effective of the antibiotic in both creams is the bacitracin zinc, making either of the creams a productive choice for basic home treatment of minor scrapes and cuts.
Alternative Treatments
There are other options for antibiotic treatments, and if the wound is severe or if the injury appears to be infected or inflamed, the best course of action is to go to the doctor and look into oral antibiotics in addition to the antibiotic cream. The treatment protocol for severe injuries often includes multiple forms of infection prevention and treatment, including either polysporin or neosporin.
Antibiotic creams not only help treat infection, they prevent infections from developing by killing bacteria before it coalesces into an infection. This is why many people apply the creams to all injuries even if there is no indication of infection forming. However, proper cleaning of an injury is the essential first step to prevent infection from forming.
Both neosporin and polysporin are limited in their use if the injury is dirty or if the immune system is compromised. For those with immune issues, extra care should be taken with even minor injuries to prevent potential severe infections. These individuals should also be sure to see their doctor at the first sign of infection.
For those who are trying to make a decision regarding which antibiotic cream to use, these are the primary considerations in play. Whether you want to have the added antibiotic power of the neosporin or avoid the potential for allergic reaction with the polysporin, the end result is about the same.