Do you get cuts and scrapes and automatically reach for one of the Poly/Neo/Baci ointment tubes in your drawer or medicine cabinet? You may be putting yourself at an increased risk for infections and allergic reactions of the skin, warns Dr. Tim Rosio, a Stanford trained board certified Dermatologist in El Dorado Hills and Auburn, CA. Dr. Rosio notes that most clean wounds benefit more from Vaseline or other non-antibiotic ointments for faster healing. In addiction, more severe strains of bacteria such as MRSA are often resistant against those ingredients, and this can encourage their growth and spread. Furthermore, you can trigger your skin to become allergic to ingredients such as Neomycin in these preparations. So Dr. Rosio advises people to clean their wound when possible with a good antiseptic wash or soap and water, pat dry, and apply Vaseline or Aquaphor like coatings, followed by a non-stick bandage. See your Dermatologist for more severe, contaminated wounds, those that are healing slower, or suspicious due to increased swelling, redness or pain. You can read more about how MRSA is affecting children on our blog. Dr. Rosio also talks about skin health on youtube.
Excessive use of any medication is threatening to the health. In the case of these antibiotic creams, it's best to consult a specialist to know which product would work for your skin. I personally won't buy or apply stuff not recommended to me for use.
ReplyDeleteTobi Fistcher
This can actually be applied to all drugs and medications in the world. Excessive use of any medication has its own side effects to the body. In addition, utmost care should be practiced when using creams that get in contact with not only the skin, but also the inside of the wound. Usage should always be prescribed by an expert to avoid problems.
ReplyDelete@Terry Bayer
It's good to follow preventive measures on your own, when the cut or scrape happened accidentally. However, you should also be aware about the possible side effects of the treatment you're applying on your wounds. It's best to consult a doctor after you’ve stopped the bleeding to avoid skin infection.
ReplyDeleteJudith Arends
Anything in excess or used improperly can pose harmful effects. Even prescribed medicine, when not taken as instructed by your dermatologist, can have damaging effects not just on your skin, but on your health as well. Always consult with your specialist with regards to the prescription and follow their instructions to the letter. Don’t unnecessarily put your health at risk.
ReplyDelete-Francis Powers