First aid guides
Short, practical guides for the moments that send people to the medicine cabinet. General information only, never a substitute for the product label or a doctor.
First aid guide
A calm, step-by-step routine for cleaning a minor cut or scrape, when an antibiotic ointment fits in, how triple antibiotic and bacitracin differ, and the signs that mean it is time to call a doctor.
Read the guideFirst aid guide
The three over-the-counter antifungal creams look alike on the shelf. Here is how tolnaftate, clotrimazole, and miconazole nitrate differ, what each label says, and how to pick one for athlete's foot, jock itch, or ringworm.
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Two anti-itch creams, two different jobs. How hydrocortisone 1% and extra strength diphenhydramine creams work, what their labels cover, and which to reach for when it is bug bites, poison ivy, rashes, and everyday skin irritation.
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What capsaicin is, how a chili-pepper compound ends up in an arthritis cream, what to expect in the first week, how it compares to a cooling menthol muscle rub, and how to use it safely.
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Why a plain white ointment has stayed in medicine cabinets for a century. What zinc oxide 20% is labeled for, how to use it for diaper rash, chafing, and weeping poison ivy, and why the 16 oz jar earns its shelf space.
Read the guideFirst aid guide
A practical checklist for a home first aid kit, a smaller travel version, and the topical creams that cover the everyday injuries and irritations a household actually sees. Written by the brand that has stocked workplace cabinets since its founding in 1974.
Read the guideFAQ
It contains the same three active ingredients as Neosporin (bacitracin zinc, neomycin sulfate, polymyxin B sulfate). It is not made or distributed by Neosporin's trademark owner.
The Drug Facts label does not set a minimum age. Clean the affected area, apply a small amount (about the size of a fingertip) 1 to 3 times daily, and cover with a sterile bandage if you like. Ask a doctor before use on animal bites, serious burns, or deep or puncture wounds, and do not use longer than 1 week unless directed by a doctor.
It contains a single antibiotic, bacitracin zinc — a common choice for people sensitive to neomycin.
Temporary relief of itching from minor skin irritations, insect bites, poison ivy/oak/sumac, and rashes, per the Drug Facts label.
It combines diphenhydramine HCl (a topical analgesic/antihistamine) with zinc acetate (skin protectant) for itching AND pain from bites and poison ivy.
Both treat athlete's foot, jock itch, and ringworm and relieve the itching and burning that come with them. See the guide for details.
Use as directed on the Drug Facts label for the full labeled duration, even if symptoms improve earlier.
Yes — labeled for most athlete's foot, jock itch, and ringworm. Follow Drug Facts directions.
You may experience a burning sensation where it is applied. The label notes that the intensity varies among individuals and may be severe, and that with regular use the sensation generally disappears after several days. Test first on a small area of skin, do not use with a heating pad or on wounds or damaged skin, and unless you are treating your hands, wash them thoroughly with soap and water immediately after applying. It is labeled for adults and children 18 years of age and older; for children under 18, ask a doctor.
It is labeled to help treat and prevent diaper rash and to protect chafed skin or minor skin irritation due to diaper rash. The label directions: change wet and soiled diapers promptly, cleanse the diaper area and allow it to dry, then apply the ointment liberally as often as necessary with each diaper change, especially at bedtime or when exposure to wet diapers may be prolonged. Keep it out of the eyes, and stop use and ask a doctor if the condition worsens or symptoms persist for more than 7 days or clear up and occur again within a few days.
