What is the best antibiotic to put on a wound?

October 12, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the Mayo Clinic, for most minor cuts and scrapes, an antibiotic ointment isn't necessary, and basic cleaning is often enough. To determine what is the best antibiotic to put on a wound, you must consider its type, severity, and your personal medical history.

Quick Summary

This guide examines over-the-counter antibiotic ointments such as Neosporin and Polysporin, as well as prescription alternatives like mupirocin, for wound care. It explores the benefits and risks, including allergic reactions and resistance, highlighting the importance of proper cleaning and moisturizing with petroleum jelly for many minor injuries.

Key Points

Basic Wound Care First: For most minor cuts and scrapes, cleaning with soap and water and keeping the wound moist with petroleum jelly is just as effective as using an antibiotic cream for infection prevention.
Neomycin is a Common Allergen: Triple antibiotic ointments like Neosporin contain neomycin, which frequently causes allergic skin reactions. Consider alternatives if you have sensitive skin.
Alternatives for Allergies: Polysporin (double antibiotic) and single Bacitracin ointment are suitable OTC choices for those with neomycin allergies.
Reserve Rx for Serious Infections: Prescription antibiotics like mupirocin (Bactroban) are powerful and typically reserved for treating established infections, including MRSA, and should only be used as directed by a doctor.
Monitor for Infection Signs: Consult a healthcare provider if a wound shows signs of infection like increased pain, swelling, redness, warmth, or pus. Serious wounds like deep cuts or animal bites also require professional evaluation.
Avoid Resistance: Using topical antibiotics unnecessarily contributes to antibiotic resistance. Use them judiciously and only when there is a risk of bacterial infection.

Understanding Antibiotics in Wound Care

When dealing with minor wounds, the main goals are to prevent infection, encourage healing, and minimize scarring. Topical antibiotic creams and ointments are often used to kill or slow the growth of bacteria that could enter a wound. However, it's important to know when they are truly needed and when simpler methods are sufficient. Using antibiotics unnecessarily can contribute to antibiotic resistance.

For many minor cuts and scrapes, cleaning with soap and water and keeping the wound moist with petroleum jelly is a highly effective way to prevent infection and promote healing without the risks associated with antibiotics.

Over-the-Counter Topical Antibiotics

Several over-the-counter (OTC) antibiotic options are available. They differ in their ingredients and the types of bacteria they target.

Neosporin (Triple Antibiotic Ointment)

Neosporin is a common choice containing neomycin, bacitracin, and polymyxin B. While effective against many bacteria, neomycin is a frequent cause of allergic contact dermatitis, which can cause redness, itching, and a rash.

Polysporin (Double Antibiotic Ointment)

Polysporin contains bacitracin and polymyxin B but omits neomycin, making it a good option for those with neomycin allergies or sensitive skin.

Bacitracin Ointment

This single-antibiotic ointment contains bacitracin and is another alternative for individuals sensitive to neomycin or polymyxin B.

Petroleum Jelly: An Effective, Low-Risk Alternative

Medical professionals often recommend plain petroleum jelly for minor wounds. Its benefits include keeping the wound moist for better healing and creating a protective barrier against bacteria and dirt. It also has a very low risk of allergic reaction and doesn't contribute to antibiotic resistance.

Prescription-Strength Topical Antibiotics

For more serious infections, a doctor may prescribe a stronger topical antibiotic, such as mupirocin (Bactroban).

Mupirocin (Bactroban)

Mupirocin is particularly effective against Staphylococcus aureus, including MRSA. It is typically used for treating existing bacterial skin infections, like impetigo, and requires a prescription.

Comparing Topical Wound Treatments


Feature	Triple Antibiotic (e.g., Neosporin)	Double Antibiotic (e.g., Polysporin)	Single Antibiotic (e.g., Bacitracin)	Petroleum Jelly	Prescription Mupirocin
Key Ingredients	Neomycin, Polymyxin B, Bacitracin	Polymyxin B, Bacitracin	Bacitracin	Petrolatum (pure, no active meds)	Mupirocin
Bacterial Coverage	Broadest spectrum among OTCs	Broad spectrum, excludes neomycin targets	Narrower spectrum than Polysporin/Neosporin	None	Targets S. aureus (including MRSA) effectively
Primary Use	Minor cuts, scrapes, burns	Minor cuts, scrapes, burns (good for neomycin allergy)	Minor cuts, scrapes, burns (good for neomycin/polymyxin B allergies)	Keeps minor wounds moist for healing, prevents contamination	Established infections, MRSA
Allergy Risk	Highest among OTCs (due to neomycin)	Lower than Neosporin	Lowest among antibiotic options	Very low	Potential mild side effects
Availability	Over-the-counter	Over-the-counter	Over-the-counter	Over-the-counter	Prescription only
Contribution to Resistance	Moderate risk with overuse	Lower risk than Neosporin	Lower risk than Neosporin	None	Targeted use minimizes resistance concerns

When to Seek Professional Medical Help

Topical antibiotics are only suitable for minor wounds. You should seek medical attention for wounds that are:

Deep or large: May need stitches or professional care.
Puncture wounds or animal bites: Higher risk of serious infection.
Showing signs of infection: Worsening redness, swelling, warmth, pain, or pus.
Not improving: If a minor wound isn't healing after a week.

Conclusion: The Right Choice Depends on the Wound

There isn't one "best" antibiotic for all wounds. For most minor injuries, cleaning with soap and water and keeping the wound moist, often with petroleum jelly, is the recommended first step. This avoids the risks of allergic reactions and antibiotic resistance associated with OTC antibiotic creams. If an OTC antibiotic is preferred for a minor wound, bacitracin or Polysporin are options with lower allergy risk than Neosporin. For signs of serious infection, deep cuts, or other concerns, consult a doctor for appropriate treatment, which may include a prescription like mupirocin. Always prioritize proper cleaning and professional guidance for concerning wounds.

For more information on general first-aid and wound care, visit the American Academy of Family Physicians website.

Frequently Asked Questions

For most minor wounds, a topical antibiotic is not strictly necessary. Simple cleaning and keeping the wound moist is often sufficient. Consider using one if the wound is dirty or at higher risk of bacterial contamination.

Neosporin is a triple antibiotic containing neomycin, bacitracin, and polymyxin B. Polysporin is a double antibiotic that omits neomycin, making it a safer option for those prone to allergic reactions caused by neomycin.

Yes, studies have shown that plain petroleum jelly (like Vaseline) is a safe and effective alternative for minor wounds. It keeps the wound moist to promote healing and reduce scarring while also preventing infection, all without the risk of antibiotic resistance or allergic reactions.

You should seek medical attention for deep or large wounds, puncture wounds, animal or human bites, and any wound showing signs of infection, such as fever, worsening pain, increased swelling, warmth, or pus.

No, antibiotic ointments are generally intended for minor cuts, scrapes, and burns. Deep wounds require medical evaluation and likely need stitches, sutures, or other treatments to heal properly.

Mupirocin is a prescription-strength antibiotic used to treat established bacterial skin infections, such as impetigo, and specifically targets bacteria like MRSA. It is not for general first-aid use.

An allergic reaction to a topical antibiotic, especially one containing neomycin, can cause redness, a rash, swelling, and itching. If this occurs, stop using the product and switch to a different treatment, such as petroleum jelly, or consult a doctor.