Can you use Neosporin on chapped lips?

Why not use Neosporin?

Neosporin Original contains bacitracin, neomycin and polymyxin B. These antibiotics target bacteria; the combination does not treat yeast or viral infections. Dry, cracked lips are not automatically infected. Cold weather, dry air, wind, sun damage and lip licking can all cause chapping.1245

Neomycin can cause allergic contact dermatitis, an itchy, inflamed skin reaction after contact with an allergen. Repeated or prolonged use can produce an inflamed, weeping rash. People with atopic dermatitis, a form of eczema, might be more sensitive to neomycin. Do not use Neosporin if you are allergic to any ingredient.16

What should you put on chapped lips instead?

Lip balm helps with dry, chapped lips. A balm's job is to care for your lips, which is a smaller assignment than the packaging sometimes suggests.7

1. 1Wash your hands before applying lip balm.
2. 2Apply a nonirritating balm several times a day and before bed. For very dry, cracked lips, use a thick ointment such as white petroleum jelly, which seals in water longer than waxes or oils.
3. 3Before going outside, apply lip balm with SPF 30 or higher and zinc oxide or titanium oxide. Reapply every 2 hours outdoors.
4. 4Stop licking, biting or picking your lips. Licking leaves lips drier as saliva evaporates, and picking or biting can prevent healing.

Choose fragrance free products. While your lips are chapped, avoid menthol, camphor, eucalyptus, salicylic acid and cinnamon, citrus, mint or peppermint flavoring. Stop any lip product that burns, stings or feels uncomfortable. Those sensations mean irritation, not healing.2

Cover your lips with a scarf outside in cold weather, and do not share lip balms because sharing can spread germs. A bedroom humidifier can help, especially if you breathe through your mouth at night.25

What if your lips are cracked or infected?

See a GP if your lips are hot, painful and swollen, because these can be signs of infection. A doctor can decide whether an antibiotic or antifungal cream is needed. A small blister filled with fluid, especially after tingling, burning or itching, could be a cold sore rather than ordinary chapping.5

If a clinician specifically directs you to use Neosporin on an external wound near your lip, keep it out of your mouth. Neosporin Original's directions are to clean the area and apply a small amount 1 to 3 times daily. Stop and ask a doctor if the condition persists or worsens, a rash develops, or you need it longer than 1 week. If swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away.13

Before using topical neomycin, tell your doctor about pregnancy, breastfeeding, kidney disease and any medicines you take. Do not layer other skin medicines or cosmetics over the treated area unless your doctor directs you to.3

How long should chapped lips take to heal?

Expect noticeable improvement within 2 to 3 weeks of consistent lip care. If your lips do not improve, see a dermatologist to check for another cause, such as an allergy or yeast infection. If you also have trouble swallowing or suspect a mouth infection, speak to a GP, pharmacist or dentist.27

A pharmacist can help you choose a treatment for dry or sore lips and decide whether you need a GP, so the most elaborate balm name does not have to win by default.5