This comprehensive guide covers how Neosporin works, if it works for boils, how to use it properly, and when you should consult with a medical professional.
What Is Neosporin?
Neosporin is a combination triple antibiotic ointment which contains:
- Neomycin
- Polymyxin B
- Bacitracin
These components combine to stop bacteria from growing on minor cuts, scrapes, and burns. It also helps to Safeguard the skin from an infection and speeds up recovery.
But boils are not small wounds — they are deeper skin infections. That distinction is key in determining whether Neosporin can make a difference.
Can Neosporin Treat Boils?
✔ Slightly Helpful, but Not a Cure
Neosporin might be able to cut back on the random surface bacteria on it and keep the skin clean around the boil, but there’s no way for it to even get close to the infection in a big ol’ one.
A boil results if bacteria (usually Staphylococcus aureus) enter the deep follicle and form an abscess. Neosporin is superficial on the skin and boils require inner antibacterial healing, or natural draining.
✔ When Neosporin Is Helpful
- When Neosporin can help.
- When a boil bursts on its own
- Some have lost their legs Upon ID by a physician
- Secondary infection of surrounding skin to the boil
To prevent additional bacterial penetration after skin is already irritated
✘ When Neosporin Doesn’t Work
Neosporin is not effective for:
- Large, painful, or deep boils
- Boils that are not draining
- Recurrent or cluster boils (carbuncles)
- MRSA-related boils (antibiotic-resistant bacteria)
In these instances, more powerful medications or medical drainage is needful.
Using Neosporin on a Boil
If you do decide to go with Neosporin, here’s how you can help healing:
1. Clean the Area
Wash the boil gently with soap and warm water. Avoid harsh scrubbing.
2. Apply Warm Compresses
Apply Neosporin Head to the boil, then put a warm moist cloth over it for 10-15 minutes. According to Healthline, this helps the skin soften and it can promote natural drainage.
3. Apply a Trace of Neosporin
Here are some steps to follow once the area is clean and dry:
- Place just small amount of gel on boil or the area around the infected skin
- Don’t get puny with it—too much ointment can inhibit air flow
4. Cover With a Sterile Bandage
This serves to cover up the boil so that it is not contaminated.
5. Repeat 2–3 Times Daily
And just keep the area clean and watch for improvement.
What to Expect
If Neosporin is effective, you may experience:
- Reduced redness around the boil
- Less crusting or cracking
- Slightly faster healing after drainage
But if the boil does not drain, Neosporin will not help, and if it continues to grow.
When to Avoid Neosporin
Avoid using Neosporin if:
- You are allergic to any ingredient in it
- Skin gets super red, itchy or rashy after use
- You have severe or rapidly spreading pain with the boil
It is possible for resistance from Neosporin to develop over time after prolonged use.
Superior Alternatives to Neosporin for Boils
Now, if you’d like good ones you can use:
✔ 1. Warm Compresses (Most Effective Home Remedy)
Stimulates natural drainage, relieves pain and accelerates the healing process.
✔ 2. Antibacterial Cleansers
Washes containing chlorhexidine or benzoyl peroxide may decrease the boil-causing bacteria.
✔ 3. Tea Tree Oil
It is a natural antibacterial and may be useful for mild skin infections (use diluted only).
✔ 4. Drawing Salves (Ichthammol Ointment)
Aids in bringing the boil head to a gentle end.
✔ 5. Medical Treatment
A doctor may:
- Drain the boil (quick relief)
- Prescribe oral antibiotics
- Test for MRSA if recurrent
When to See a Doctor
Seek medical help if:
- The boil is bigger than a marble.
- There is no improvement within 3–5 days
- You develop fever or chills
- The boil has red lines or streaks coming from it
- Multiple boils form (carbuncle)
- Boils keep coming back
A doctor can identify the cause and treat it more successfully.
Conclusion
Neosporin can help boost healing on the surface and reduce irritation and risk of infection surrounding your draining boil — but it won’t fix what caused the boil to begin with, which is a deep bacterial infection. For small boils that have already drained, Neosporin can provide a useful aftercare option. For painful and/or large boils, professional care is the safest and quickest option.
FAQs
1. Does Neosporin help get rid of a boil?
No, neosporin will not heal a boil, but it can be used to protect skin after the boil has started to drain.
2. Can you put Neosporin on an Unpopped Boil?
Yes, you can, but it’s not likely to help much. Warm compresses are better to draw the boil to the surface.
3. How long does it take for a boil to go away?
The majority of boils resolve in 1–2 weeks, however those that drain early may heal sooner.
4. Can I put a bandage on top of a boil?
Yes cover up does protect the skin and hinders the spread of bacteria. Just change the bandage daily.
5. Can I, or should I, squeeze or pop a boil?
Squeezing can send infection deeper and make complications more likely. Let if empty or see a doctor.
