I have always been allergic to antiseptic/antibiotic ointments (Neosporin-type creams), which is pretty awful: if I have a minor cut or scrape, and put Neosporin on to "protect" the area...instead I would get a rash on top of my injury. ouch!
I just read in the December 2008 Wellness Letter (from the University of California, Berkeley's School of Public Health) that "antibiotic ointments may help heal minor wounds, but can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions". Moreover, they say that the best advice is to "hold the wound under cool running water--this is far better than any antiseptic you can buy."
This was great to read, as I've always wondered what I should do about my wounds, and had not heard of anyone else who has had an allergic reaction to antibiotic creams--but I guess it is common. There are so many home remedies and old-fashioned first aid tips, that it is difficult to remember what is truly helpful in healing, versus what has been proven ineffective.
And, just in case you still use rubbing alcohol, iodine or hydrogen peroxide on wounds...don't do it! All of these substances damage skin and/or are irritating to the skin, and actually slow or retard healing. Rubbing alcohol is OK for intact skin or cleaning needles.
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Alison, you probably get a sense by now that I prefer to go the natural route when it comes to treatments, etc. That includes simple things as scrapes and cuts to more complicated ones such as hypertension, cholestoral, etc. Do you remember the movie "My Fat Greek Wedding"? (or something like that), the are a couple of scenes when one of the family members uses Windex for everything! Well, in my case it is not Windex of course but Tea Tree Oil. It is a natural antibacterial that takes care of wounds, burns, cold sores, foot fungus, almost everything! Try it. It does burn a little but the sting fades away in a few minutes. It is natural and there are not known allergic reactions known in any of the literature that I have come across.
November 20, 2008 - 11:00pmThis Comment