When it comes to staying happy and healthy, one of the first things you need to do is make sure you are avoiding as many sicknesses and illnesses as possible. Fortunately, one of the best ways to do this is by always keeping a tube of Neosporin nearby. Here’s a quick look at the common infections Neosporin can help you avoid as well as its various other uses.

What is Neosporin?

Neosporin contains three primary ingredients — Bacitracin, Polymyxin B, and Neomycin. While many debates have taken place on the exact effectiveness of Neosporin, there is no doubt that this Johnson & Johnson-owned brand is well known all around the globe for preventing infections and reducing the appearance of scars.

It should be noted that Neosporin is a topical ointment; it should never be ingested. Whether you have suffered a minor injury due to a burn, cut, or other type of wound, as long as the wound as been cleaned properly with either water or alcohol, Neosporin should then be applied to reduce the risk of infection.

Neosporin goes to work by killing sensitive bacteria that develops on and around a skin wound. If you have ever been diagnosed with having MRSA or staph infection, you will want to keep Neosporin on your skin wounds because it is effective in preventing these infections, both of which can become deadly if not treated properly.

Impetigo is another type of skin infection that occurs easily in those who are carriers of the disease. Most times, impetigo will only occur after a skin wound has occurred. Those with impetigo will want to stay away from others who are carriers of the disease, and no matter how well a wound looks, Neosporin should be kept on it to help prevent the formation and spreading of impetigo.

Things to Remember about Neosporin

It should be noted that Neosporin is an over-the-counter medication that does not require a prescription. Because you do not need a prescription to buy Neosporin, you will not receive prescription-strength ingredient levels when using this medicine. If you have severe cases of staph, impetigo, or MRSA infections, a prescription-strength ointment will be needed as well as some type of oral antibiotic, possibly.

It’s also noteworthy to point out that Neosporin tubes of ointment should not be shared. If you use Neosporin, make sure to use a tube that has been used by only you, or buy a new tube of Neosporin. If you don’t want to use Neosporin ointment, you can always try one of the other forms, such as Neosporin spray. Also, if you prefer, you can apply Neosporin to the affected area and then use a bandage to cover it; however, it’s usually best to give the wound at least three to five hours a day of not being bandaged — fresh air will help speed up the healing process.