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.
