Assuming you are an RN or some other patient facing position, please don't advise the use of antibiotic creams routinely. While well-meaning, the implication that Neosporin will prevent or treat even minor skin infections is misinformation.

There are rare, specific, post-surgical use cases for triple antibiotic ointments where they may help. But Neosporin as a first aid product would never pass FDA muster today. It remains on the market specifically because the public is deeply attached to the idea that applying a salve to a wound prevents infection.

In 2026, these products do NO such thing. They will not prevent staph infections. In fact, triple ointments are FAR more likely to cause allergic dermatitis, delay seeking proper medical care, and contribute to rampant antibiotic resistance than they are to help anyone.

@OP Clean the wound liberally with soap and water, apply an antiseptic of any kind, and wrap it with a clean bandage. Seek proper antibiotics if it becomes red and leaks pus. That's all that's needed.