I've heard that antibiotics are used to prevent/treat pimples. So can I use a first aid antibiotic in this way

Question

I have a Bacitracin Zinc Ointment USP. It prevents infection in minor cuts scrapes and burns as stated on the container.

My question:
Can I use this antibiotic on pimples to treat them as a dermatologist would?
Is this the same stuff that derms use?
Thank you!!!

I don't have acne and therefore no need to go to the dermatologist. But a friend of mine got an ointment antibiotic (no, not pills) for her pimples as she breaks out every once in a while. Nothing serious.

But thanks for the answers,

Answer 1

I have found that with my very sensitive skin, that the Triple Antibiotic works very well. Just put a little dab at the end of clean finger or Q-Tip and dab it onto your clean face and on the top of the acne. You do not need to rub it in because it will soak in. If you do this at night before you go to bed, the acne will be almost gone (if not completely) by morning and it does not burn.

Answer 2

NO. The anti biotic prescribed to treat acne and pimples is specially for the skin. Any other drug woulnd't work, first of all. Second, NEVER take antibiotics without a doctor's prescription. It is proven that taking too many antibiotics can cause leukemia - aka blood cancer. Taking them from a medicine cabinet is stupid.

Antibiotics aren't prescribed unless you have severe acne. They come as tablets, not cream. If you are so self-concious about pimples, it's best to do something much more simple: eat an apple a day. Apples clear toxins out of your body. Also, even though chocolate doesn't CAUSE pimples, some people find that not eating chocolate gives them less pimples.

The best over the counter treatment is any cream that contains BENZOYLPEROXIDE. That's what's in Proactiv, but you can buy it for $15 at a local pharmacy. Your Bacitracin Zinc would cause more problems than it would solve.

Finally, I would see a dermatologist. They can let you know exactly what to do with your skin. A good dermatologist should get you cleared up in a few months.

Good luck!

Answer 3

When a dermatologist give you antibiotics, they give it to you in a pill form. It treats acne from the inside out. It treats over production of oils which is the leading cause of acne. Using an ointment won't help this problem.
Ointments are used only to prevent invection on open wounds. Since a pimple is usually not an open wound, unless popped, the ointment will do nothing.
I would go to a dermatologist....they can relaly help and put you on a program made just for you.

Answer 4

It's doubtful. Bacteria are not all the same. Some make us sick, others help us digest, still others cause pimples. The kind of bacteria we are concerned about when we get a wound are different from those that cause pimples. That's why a doctor has to figure out what kind of illness you have before he or she gives you a perscription for any needs. A good dermatologist can help you figure out what you need. It might not be any kind of anti-bacterial.

Answer 5

Anti-biotics are used to treat infections. Zinc oinment is more of an antispetic to help keep the wounds and/or diaper rash clean and dry. It can also be used for the itching and burning of hemorroids. There is nothing wrong with putting it on your skin but it might not remove pimples.

Answer 6

antibiotics taken internally are used for acne. Not neosporin.
Unless you have an open gaping cut on your face I dont suggest OTC antibiotic creams for face.
I would only suggest using antibiotics as a last resort, along with killing the bad bacteria in the body they also kill off the good bacteria, throwing off the bodies natural balance.
If your acne is REALLY bad, try getting tested for food alergies, mild food alergies can cause acne and redness in the face.

Answer 7

only antibiotics with cortizone in them will help, that is what the stars do, get shots of cortizone around the pimple but i have a better solution, just put a dab of honey on a bandaid and put it on the pimple at night and overnight it will have improved, honey is a natural antiseptic which will clean it and will speed healing....

Answer 8

I wouldnt, but talk to your doctor about Clyndomycin Phosphate. i use it and i have super sensative skin and it works wonderfully. There are also acne pills you can take that are antibiotics.