What is better to use after surgery on nose, Vaseline or Polysporin?

Question

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

The fact is, nobody knows.  I tell people to use vaseline so there is almost no risk of allergy.  Topical antibiotics are not needed.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Cameron Chesnut, MD, FAAD, FACMS · Answer

This is a great question, we get asked this all the time.  Petroleum jelly (Vaseline is one brand) is your healing wound's best friend.  The additional antibiotics usually aren't necessary, and can actually make the situation worse by causing an inflammatory reaction and delaying the healing.  Unless your surgeon wants you on a topical antibiotic ointment, stick with the petroleum!

Andrew Kaufman, MD · Answer

Either is fine although some people may develop a contact dermatitis rarely to polysporin (Neosporin has a higher incidence of allergic contact dermatitis so most doctors would recommend avoiding that). As a general rule, a topical antibiotic is not necessary. Generally, you just want to keep the wound clean and moist. However, each doctor might have a particular preference so your best option is to discuss it with your doctor. Good luck.

What is better to use after surgery on nose, Vaseline or Polysporin?

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More Mohs Surgery Questions

I go Friday for Mohs surgery for Basil cell cancer on my left shin (leg).

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