When you or your loved one gets a minor cut, burn, or scrape, what awaits in your wellness cabinet? Yep, you read that right. I threw out my medicine cabinet years ago and replaced it with a wellness cabinet. But seriously. What do you look for? Neosporin? The Original drawing Salve or something else? Being the product investigator that I am, I wanted to compare Neosporin to what I use and recommend, Puremedy’s Original Drawing Salve.
What’s in Neosporin
There are three active ingredients (Bacitracin, Neomycin, Polymyxin B ) which are all antibiotics. I stay away from antibiotics because while they may kill the bacteria that’s causing or may cause an infection, they also kill what is good (i.e. good bacteria).
While Neosporin has a few inactive ingredients which are perfectly safe like olive oil and cocoa butter, let’s look at a few of the ones that trigger red flags for me.
- Cottonseed oil – Cotton is the most genetically modified crop on the planet. Every thought about where cottonseed oil comes from? If this cottonseed oil comes from non-organic cotton, you’re mostly likely rubbing a little GMO on your wound. Cool, huh? Not!
- White petrolatum – another name for mineral oil that is derived from petroleum. It’s on the Environment Canada Domestic Substance List and is classified as toxic or harmful. I don’t want that runs my car to be in my blood stream, thank you very much!
A further look at the label per Drugs.com:
Here is what I find fascinating. Look at the warnings associated with Neosporin:
Before using Neosporin ointment:
Some medical conditions and medicines may interact with Neosporin ointment. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions or if Neosporin ointment may interact with other medicines that you take.
How to use Neosporin ointment:
Use Neosporin ointment as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
- Neosporin ointment is for external use only. Do not use in or near the eyes, nose, or mouth. If you get Neosporin ointment in your eyes, rinse immediately with cool tap water.
- Do not apply Neosporin ointment over large areas of your body without first checking with your doctor.
- Wash your hands thoroughly before and after using Neosporin ointment, unless your hands are part of the treated area.
- Wash and completely dry the affected area. Apply a small amount of Neosporin ointment (about the size of the tip of the finger) to the affected area. Gently rub the medicine in until it is evenly distributed.
- If you miss a dose of Neosporin ointment and you are using it regularly, use it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not use 2 doses at once. Hmm…I don’t like the sound of that!
Important safety information:
- Do NOT take more than the recommended dose or use for longer than 1 week without checking with your doctor.
- Neosporin ointment should not be used in CHILDREN younger than 2 years old; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.
- PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Neosporin ointment while you are pregnant. It is not known if Neosporin ointment is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Neosporin ointment, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.
Possible side effects of Neosporin ointment:
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. When used in small doses, no COMMON side effects have been reported with this product. Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); skin irritation, pain, burning, cracking, redness, or peeling not present before using Neosporin ointment; worsening or recurrence of wound symptoms.
This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur.
Proper storage of Neosporin ointment:
Store Neosporin ointment at room temperature, between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C), in a tightly closed container. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Neosporin ointment out of the reach of children and away from pets.
Have you read enough? I know I’m sold on never using Neosporin again after learning of these constraints, possible side effects, ingredients…
Now on to my favorite natural and safe Neosporin alternative.
Now on to Puremedy’s Drawing Salve…
Puremedy’s Original Drawing Salve is a natural skin and wound healing salve that can be used for cuts, burns, infections, staph, first aid, face cream and skin repair, acne, eczema, insect bites, and much more. It’s all natural and safe for the whole family. Yes, that means your children too!
- 150 year old natural medicine
- Safe for children and adults of all ages.
- Clinical study shows ability to manage bacteria and candida naturally
- Absolutely food grade and pure enough to eat.
What’s inside Puremedy’s Original Drawing Salve
A whole lot of goodness: Organic calendula, Organic echinacea, Organic olive oil, High-oleic non-gmo Safflower oil, Organic beeswax, Wild harvested pine resin, Wild harvested canadian fir balsam, Elder flower and bark.
Suggested Use of Puremedy’s Original Drawing Salve
Apply to the affected area 2-4 times per day or as needed. It does not have limitations because you just can’t harm your body with a safe and all-natural product like this salve.
Warnings
Before applying to an affected area, test for any allergic reactions by rubbing a small amount on the forearm. Do not use if allergic or hypersensitive to any ingredient in this salve. If the condition persists or worsens, consult with your health care provider. – Ok, that’s fine by me. I have a friend who is allergic to aloe. I get that someone may be allergic to an ingredient in the salve. While I am sure it’s very rare, it’s of course possible.
In summary…
Neosporin scares me. It comes with too many constraints, isn’t natural and contains chemicals, and isn’t safe for the whole family. I used to use Neosporin until I learned to read labels. I am not writing to scare you. My goal is to educate you and show you that there are other products on the market that will treat your cuts, scrapes, minor burns safely and effectively but at no compromise.
I’d love to hear your feedback on the Salve if you’ve used it or what you use to treat your family’s minor cuts, scrapes, and burns…
References
http://www.drugs.com/cdi/neosporin-ointment.html
http://www.puremedy.com/Original.html