One of the most popular topical antibiotics on the market, Neosporin is typically applied to small wounds in order to prevent infection and speed healing. However, more recently Neosporin has also become popular as an alternative acne treatment for those who have found little luck with the typical acne products.

While Neosporin may in fact be a very effective means to clear skin for some, it is wise to remember that this is a powerful antibiotic, with some potentially serious side effects for those who rely on its long-term use to treat acne. Neosporin may be the answer if you only need a temporary spot treatment, but choosing to use a serious antibiotic as your everyday acne solution is not a good idea.

For acne sufferers, the benefits of Neosporin are obvious. Neosporin kills acne-forming bacteria, speeds the healing of wounds, and can minimize the appearance of scars. Neosporin combines three powerful antibiotics: Bacitracin, Neomycin, and Polymixin-B; to eliminate a broad range of bacteria beyond typical acne treatments such as those using benzoyl peroxide. Also, unlike benzoyl peroxide, Neosporin is unlikely to cause dry and irritated skin since it uses an oil base. While oil-based creams and gels are generally avoided by acne sufferers, the fact is that the oil you really have to worry about is not the oil on the surface, but the oil that is secreted by your glands under the surface. Thus, there are few negative effects resulting from this aspect of Neosporin. The fact is, many users experience faster remission of acne from Neosporin than from other top-rated typical acne products that use BP or salicylic acid. Also, the enhanced rate of wound healing and reduced inflammation makes the treatment very attractive.

While the benefits of Neosporin may sound great, potential users should also take into account the warnings that Pfizer has taken the time to print on the label. Precautions such as "Do not use over large areas of the body" and "Do not use longer than 1 week unless directed by a doctor" are serious warning signs for acne sufferers. Neosporin kills a lot more than just the P. Acnes bacteria that is primarily responsible for the formation of acne pustules. It also eliminates many agents that normally help your skin resist harmful bacteria. With long-term use, there is a danger that your skin may build up an antibiotic resistance which could end up making you more susceptible to serious infection down the road.

Because of these considerations, the continual use of a strong antibiotic like Neosporin is generally to be avoided. It should be noted that Pfizer is well aware that some acne sufferers turn to Neosporin as a clear skin solution, and yet they still do not market or promote this use. In fact, in response to emails on the subject, Pfizer has stated this application of Neosporin as unintended and not recommended without the consent of a medical professional.

Acne can be a stubborn problem to solve, and it's hard to ignore any treatment that might work, but personally I would only recommend Neosporin as a temporary spot treatment for those really serious pimples. The warnings are there for a reason, and as the label says, this is not something you should be applying for longer than a week. Likewise, applying Neosporin over large areas of skin is also something to be avoided. If all you need is to take the red out of the occasional stubborn zit, Neosporin should be perfectly safe, simply avoid relying on it as an all-in-one clear skin solution.