What happens if you use expired ointment?

Expired medical products can be less effective or risky due to a change in chemical composition or a decrease in strength. Certain expired medications are at risk of bacterial growth and sub-potent antibiotics can fail to treat infections, leading to more serious illnesses and antibiotic resistance.

Does neomycin ointment expire?

Official Answer. No you should not. Firstly the eye drop has expired so its safety and efficacy can no longer be assured.

What can I use instead of Neosporin?

Alternatives. Petroleum jelly products, such as Vaseline, can be good alternatives to bacitracin or Neosporin. The jelly keeps wounds from drying out, which can prevent or ease itching and other unpleasant symptoms.

Can you put Neosporin on an open wound?

Recap. The main goal of wound care is to keep the wound clean. For minor cuts and scrapes, this may only involve washing the wound with water and dressing it with a sterile bandage. Neosporin may be used but is not essential.

Why do dermatologists hate Neosporin?

So why do we dermatologists in Naples, FL—and around the country—despise this product? It’s the neomycin! Neomycin frequently causes allergic reactions of the skin called contact dermatitis. It can cause the skin to become red, scaly, and itchy.

Can I use expired antiseptic cream?

“The molecules in these products can break down and form other molecules that may cause a bad reaction when used,” she said. Similar to oral medications, it is not recommended to use topical products such as medicated oil, antiseptic cream and muscle pain relief ointment past their expiration dates, said KTPH’s Wong.

Why do doctors hate Neosporin?

It’s the neomycin! Neomycin frequently causes allergic reactions of the skin called contact dermatitis. It can cause the skin to become red, scaly, and itchy. The more Neosporin you use, the worse the skin reaction gets.

Is Vaseline better than Neosporin?

Petroleum jelly products, such as Vaseline, can be good alternatives to bacitracin or Neosporin. The jelly keeps wounds from drying out, which can prevent or ease itching and other unpleasant symptoms.

Does Neosporin actually expire?

Each tube of Neosporin includes an expiration date. Before each use, check the expiration date to make sure it’s safe to use. Johnson & Johnson Consumer Companies, the manufacturer of Neosporin, advises throwing away the tube if it has surpassed its printed expiration date.

Are expired antibiotics still effective?

Certain expired medications are at risk of bacterial growth and sub-potent antibiotics can fail to treat infections, leading to more serious illnesses and antibiotic resistance. “Once the expiration date has passed there is no guarantee that the medicine will be safe and effective,” says Bernstein. “If your medicine has expired, do not use it.”

Does Neosporin go bad?

According to the product label, Neosporin may lose its effectiveness in treating burns, cuts and scrapes after its expiration date. If using this product when close to its expiration date, check the consistency, color and odor. Discard unused Neosporin if it appears chalky or dry, has a tainted color,…

Does Neosporin make yeast infection worse?

Yeast itself can result in superficial fissures (“cuts”), which can start with trauma from scratching. But the problem is the yeast itself, not an infection that would respond to neosporin or any other cream. Just continue your yeast treatment; they will heal quickly.