Can You Put Neosporin Inside Your Nose?

Neosporin and other antibiotic ointments treat minor skin infections caused by small cuts, burns, or scrapes and help prevent wound infections. When used for first aid, these ointments are usually applied to the outer parts of the skin, such as on the arms, legs, and hands.

Putting Neosporin or similar ointments near, on, or in more certain parts of your body, including your eyes, nose, and mouth, is not necessarily an effective or safe approach. Here’s what you should know before using Neosporin inside your nose or in another sensitive area.

What Is Neosporin? 

Neosporin is an over-the-counter (OTC) topical antibiotic ointment commonly used to prevent infections that may occur after minor injuries, such as small cuts, abrasions, scrapes, and burns, Jesus Lizarzaburu, MD, a board-certified family physician in Yorktown, VA, told Verywell.

The ointment contains three different types of antibiotic ingredients: neomycin, polymyxin B, and bacitracin. “These antibiotics work by stopping the growth of bacteria, helping prevent a local infection and promote wound healing,” he said.

While generally safe to use as directed, some people may experience allergic reactions to one or more of the antibiotics in Neosporin, especially if it’s applied to sensitive areas (such as inside the nose), according to Lizarzaburu.

Can You Use Neosporin Inside the Nose? 

According to Johnson & Johnson, the manufacturer of Neosporin, the antibiotic ointment is designed for external use only. The product has warnings against using it inside the nose, eyes, or mouth.

Neosporin is not recommended for deep wounds or the mucosal lining of the face, such as the nose and mouth. These parts of the body might be too sensitive for frequent applications of the ointment, Joaquin Villegas, MD, MPH, family medicine physician with UTHealth Houston, told Verywell.

However, in very small amounts, Neosporin may be applied in the nostrils to help with minor skin-related issues.

“I have recommended the use of small amounts of Neosporin in the nose for small cuts or crusting in the nose since its benefit in preventing small skin infections can be useful for this purpose,” said Villegas.

Linda Dahl, MD, an otolaryngologist at Northwell Lenox Hill Hospital, told Verywell that Neosporin can be used inside the nose as long as it’s applied in in a thin layer along the rim and the ointment does not block the nostril.

“It should be used cautiously, in very small amounts,” said Dahl. “I have been recommending my patients to use it for many years.”

What Are the Benefits of Putting Neosporin in Your Nose?

Neosporin and similar antibiotic ointments help reduce bacterial build-up in the nose and provide an additional layer of protection against bacterial infections, according to Dahl. It might be useful to put Neosporin in your nose to help:

• Heal minor cuts and crusting
• Fight staph infections
• Assist in post-cauterization care for nosebleeds 
• Promote recovery after surgery to the nose or areas around the nose

A new study suggested that one of the ingredients in Neosporin, neomycin, can trigger an immune response that could help against viral infection. However, since the study was small (only 12 people), “the effectiveness of this is still up for debate,” said Villegas.

By itself, Neosporin will not prevent or treat viral infections like COVID-19 and influenza.

“Neosporin is an antibiotic, which only works against bacteria, so it would have no effect on viruses,” said Villegas.

Are There Risks of Using Neosporin in the Nose? 

One of the biggest safety risks of using Neosporin is the possibility of allergic reactions or irritation, especially when it is applied to sensitive areas like the inside of the nose, according to Villegas.

Excessive application of Neosporin or similar OTC topical antibiotics in the nasal region may trigger allergic reactions with symptoms like itching, redness, or swelling, added Lizarzaburu.

Another risk? If too much Neosporin is used in the nasal cavity, you could accidentally inhale it or swallow it. That’s a problem because “it is not meant to be ingested,” said Dahl. “It should be used cautiously, in very small amounts.”

You should also do a patch test on a small area of the skin to find out if you have any reactions before applying Neosporin to sensitive areas like the nose.

“I always recommend applying new ointment on the skin of your wrist and watch for any changes, to make sure that your skin can tolerate the ointment without any rashes or irritation,” said Villegas.

How to Safely Apply Neosporin in Your Nose 

To safely apply Neosporin inside your nose, Villegas recommends following these steps:

1. Wash your hands with soap and water. 
2. Apply a small amount of Neosporin to the tip of a clean cotton swab or pad. Be sure to use a small amount to avoid over-application. 
3. Gently and carefully apply to the affected nostril. Avoid spreading it too widely or harshly on the skin or pushing it too far into the nose. 
4. Dispose of the cotton swab and wash your hands again. 

Are There Alternatives to Neosporin for Nose Irritation? 

Dahl said that there are some alternatives to Neosporin for nose problems, but the right one will depend on what you need to use it for.

• Vaseline or petroleum jelly. These options have been used as an alternative for dry skin in the nose, according to Villegas. It is considered relatively safe, but Villegas said similar precautions to those of Neosporin should be followed, including the recommendation to use the smallest amount necessary.
• Nasal saline gels or nasal sprays. Dahl said that nasal saline gels or sprays like Xylitol can be moisturizing. They can also act as an added precaution against viral infections, such as COVID. “Some of these sprays act as a protective barrier of the nasal passages, such as those containing iota-carrageenan,” said Villegas.
• Nasal rinses or irrigation. Dahl added that nasal rinses or irrigation can help clear allergens or thick mucus in the nose, especially during allergy and pollen season.

There are prescription versions of Neosporin that are regularly prescribed for nasal infections, dry nose, and nosebleeds. “They are also recommended after nasal surgery, to help with healing,” said Dahl.

If you have questions about using Neosporin in your nose or whether there’s an alternative that might be a better option for you, it’s best to talk with your healthcare provider or pharmacist.