Antibiotic Ointment Allergies
When we think of antibiotics, most of the time we think of treatments for the common cold, flu, or other seasonal illnesses. We think of doctors who won’t give us antibiotics, because supposedly they create superbugs, resistance, and they stop working if you use them too many times! They get bigger, badder, and nastier every single year! What we don’t normally think of with antibiotics are skin conditions, and yet the great majority of antibiotic products are made for skin conditions such as psoriasis or eczema. But are they as undesirable in application to the skin?
What is Neomycin?
Neomycin is the most common antibiotic ointment for the treatment of eczema. it has been used to kill bad bacteria, eliminate infections, prevent scarring, and reduce inflammation, pain, and other problems. But being an antibiotic, it also kills good bacteria, sending the natural flora of the skin into a greater imbalance and actually making skin more vulnerable to bad bacteria! It no longer has the good bacteria to protect it.
Neomycin, working as an antibacterial has been known to burn the skin causing redness, irritation, and other common symptoms of eczema. Ironically, it seems that you are trading one beast for another. But while Neomycin has been known to cause redness, irritation, and other side effects, most who use it still say that the benefits outweigh the side effects.
Unusual reactions to Neomycin
Like any other product, Neomycin can cause allergies in some individuals. It is generally applied topically. But in extreme cases, it can cause extreme swelling, hives, redness, cracking, peeling, and sensitivity to the sun to name a few. Since 1952, the list of allergic reactions started out small and has gradually expanded to go far beyond the levels that most would ever expect from any kind of skin ointment, sometimes even compared to steroid creams. At this particular time, the AAD still issues official warning against this particular blend of ingredients.
Alternatives Without Side Effects?
Neomycin has an extremely high sensitivity level. The rates of allergic reaction grow and multiply each year. Most topical antibiotics will cause redness, irritation, swelling, sensitivity to the sun, and overall death of the skin cells. Instead, I would personally recommend natural antibacterials such as tea tree oil. Tea tree oil can actually work to calm and soothe the skin while killing off harmful bacteria, and it can help you to prevent future problems. But if you believe in prescription and pharmacy brands only, some have found that a cream known as Polysporin has been a customer favorite.