POLYSPORIN® FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
General
POLYSPORIN® products are available in most major Drug and Grocery retailers.
Ingredients vary by product. Please visit the page for the product you're interested in or check the product label to view the full ingredients list.
All POLYSPORIN® ointments and creams contain petrolatum. The ointments have a large petrolatum base, while the creams include other emollients for a less greasy feel. POLYSPORIN® sprays, lotions and eye/ear drops do not contain petrolatum. Please visit the page for the product you're interested in or check the product label to view the full ingredients list.
Most POLYSPORIN® products should be stored at 15-30°C and kept protected from light, heat and freezing. Detailed storage instructions can be found on the product label.
Yes, POLYSPORIN® products do eventually expire – you can find the expiration date on the product packaging. We don't recommend using any POLYSPORIN® products beyond their expiration date.
POLYSPORIN® Topical Antibiotics are appropriate for all ages. Always read and follow the label before using POLYSPORIN® products. We also offer a POLYSPORIN® Kids Cream that provides soothing pain relief for added comfort.
Each POLYSPORIN® product has specific warnings. Please visit the page for the product you are interested in to learn more. Always read and follow the label before using POLYSPORIN® products.
Wound Care
First, cleanse the burn area using a mild soap and water or an antiseptic wash. Once the area is dry, apply a topical antibiotic, such as POLYSPORIN® Original Antibiotic Ointment with HEAL-FAST® Formula that provides infection protection to speed healing, one to three times daily until healed.
First, cleanse the minor cut or scape area using a mild soap and water or an antiseptic wash and allow drying. Once the area is dry, apply a topical antibiotic, such as POLYSPORIN® Original Antibiotic Ointment with HEAL-FAST® Formula that provides infection protection to speed healing, one to three times daily. For additional protection, cover the affected area with a sterile bandage or dressing, such as BAND-AID® Brand Adhesive Bandage, and keep it covered until the wound is fully healed.
First, cleanse the blister area using a mild soap and water or an antiseptic wash and allow drying. Once the area is dry, apply a topical antibiotic, such as POLYSPORIN® Original Antibiotic Ointment with HEAL-FAST® Formula that provides infection protection to speed healing, one to three times daily.
Yes, POLYSPORIN® Topical Antibiotics help keep wounds moist to minimize the look of scars. Learn how to care for wounds and protect against infection and scarring.
POLYSPORIN® creams, lotions, and ointments are for external use and should not be applied over large areas of the body.
They can be used on minor cuts, scrapes and burns on your face but avoid contact with eyes. If this occurs, rinse eyes thoroughly with water.
POLYSPORIN® Ointments have a higher concentration of petrolatum, which helps keep wounds moist to minimize the look of scars. POLYSPORIN® Creams are a non-greasy alternative.
POLYSPORIN® Original Ointment contains two antibiotics for infection protection. POLYSPORIN® Complete Ointment is our most advanced formula with three antibiotics for extra infection protection to target different types of bacteria in different ways and lidocaine for pain relief.
The medicinal ingredients in POLYSPORIN® wound care products (Polymyxin B, Bacitracin Zinc, Gramicidin) are not sulfonamide antibiotics. However, if you're allergic to any of the ingredients in POLYSPORIN®, do not use the product.
Ear & Eye Antibiotics
Symptoms of pink eye (conjunctivitis) can include:
Redness in the white of the eye
Watery eyes
Itchiness or a feeling of having sand in the eye
A discharge that tends to be clear when caused by an allergy, or thick and yellow-white when caused by bacteria
Note: Pink eye does not usually affect vision or cause pain. If you experience either of these symptoms, contact a doctor immediately.
Since bacterial pink eye is very contagious, it is a good idea to begin treatment with antibiotic eye drops as soon as possible. Bacterial pink eye may go away by itself in 2 weeks.
For fast relief of pink eye symptoms without a prescription, you can try using an over-the-counter (OTC) treatment, such as POLYSPORIN® Antibiotic Eye Drops.
Instill one to two eye drops in the affected eye or eyes, four times a day for seven to ten days. You should begin to see an improvement in your symptoms within one to two days. Even though the symptoms may be relieved, you should use POLYSPORIN® Eye & Ear Drops for seven to ten days to completely cure the infection. If there is no improvement in your symptoms within two days of starting treatment or if they have not disappeared within 10 days, you should consult your doctor as you may not have bacterial pink eye.
The symptoms of outer ear infection (swimmer's ear) can include:
Pain, especially when earlobe is pulled
Ear redness and itchiness
Drainage of fluid from the ear
Possible decreased hearing caused by a build-up of infected material
Most cases of swimmer’s ear can be treated with antibiotic ear drops such as POLYSPORIN® Plus Pain Relief Ear Drops.
Instill three to four drops in the affected ear or ears four times a day for five to seven days. You should begin to see an improvement in your symptoms with one to two days but you should use POLYSPORIN® Plus Pain Relief Ear Drops for five to seven days to completely cure the infection. Consult a doctor if your condition persists or worsens.
No, you don't need a prescription.* However, you shouldn't use POLYSPORIN® products for longer than one week. If your condition worsens or persists, stop use and consult a doctor.
*Quebec is the only exception. You'll need to consult an in-store pharmacist to purchase POLYSPORIN® Pink Eye and Swimmer's Ear Antibiotic Drops.
Skin Relief
Eczema symptoms include skin itching, swelling and irritation. The skin cannot hold onto moisture and can become dry and tight. Learn how to prevent and manage eczema flare-ups.
Apply a fragrance-free moisturizer immediately after your bath, before your skin is completely dry. If itching still occurs, try using an anti-itch cream with moisturizing benefits like POLYSPORIN® ECZEMA ESSENTIALS® 1% Hydrocortisone Anti-Itch Cream.
Some health products contain traces of gluten. If you're allergic to gluten or have celiac disease, consult a doctor before using POLYSPORIN® products.
POLYSPORIN® ECZEMA ESSENTIALS® and Anti-itch products are for external use only and should not be applied over large areas of the body.