Neosporin and other antibiotic ointments are well-known for their use on cuts that need help healing. Learn how best to use these medications and when to avoid using them.

In this article, we cover what Neosporin in your nose can and cannot be used for, along with best practices for use.

While triple antibiotic ointments like Neosporin can help to reduce bacterial buildup in and near the nose, they cannot be used to prevent viral illnesses, such as flu or COVID-19.

Neosporin is an ointment that contains three types of antibiotics: neomycin, polymyxin, and bacitracin. It is available over the counter, and people commonly use it to prevent skin injuries from becoming infected.

Neosporin is also available as a generic ointment, often labeled as a triple antibiotic ointment.

The product labels typically mention not putting the ointment in the nose (as well as keeping it out of your eyes and mouth).

Though Neosporin may have benefits of using it the nose, it’s a good idea to check with your doctor before you do so to make sure it’s suitable for your condition.

Triple antibiotic ointments like Neosporin can help to reduce bacterial buildup.

They may be useful to help treat the following medical concerns in the nose:

To use Neosporin in your nose, you can follow these steps:

  • Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
  • Apply the ointment to a cotton swab or cotton pad.
  • Gently apply to the area just inside the nostril, taking care not to put the swab too high up the nostril, or to swab too harshly and cause bleeding.
  • Repeat in the other nostril.
  • Wash your hands and dispose of cotton swabs.

Do not apply the ointment more than three times a day unless your doctor directs you otherwise. Doing so more frequently could result in irritation of the nasal passages.

As with many home treatments, rumors circulate on the internet suggesting the use of Neosporin for different illnesses. One common myth is that is using Neosporin in your nose can help to help prevent illnesses like the flu and COVID-19.

However, this will not work, and for a very simple reason: Antibiotics kill bacteria, not viruses. COVID-19 and the flu are caused by viruses, so antibiotics will not be effective.

A recent 2024 study did find that nasally applied neomycin boosted immunity when subjects were exposed to viruses. However, the study was carried out in mice and the results are very preliminary. Though a small follow up pilot study in humans also showed this effect. Further research is needed to determine neomycin’s benefit in viral infections and larger trials must be conducted.

Additionally, it’s important to use antibiotic products properly to avoid the risk of antibiotic resistance. It’s not yet clear how using Neosporin in the nose as a preventive would work and what dosage would be required to ensure safety and effectiveness.

Nasal Neosporin may help reduce the likelihood of bacteria getting introduced into your body via the nose. It can also help to heal small abrasions or cuts in the nose.

You can usually apply it around and slightly inside the nostrils to prevent an abrasion from getting infected. However, it’s a good idea to check with a healthcare professional before using Neosporin in your nose and if your symptoms do not improve.

It’s not recommended to use Neosporin as a preventive since much more research is needed to determine effectiveness and safety for use in this way.

Also, remember that Neosporin helps to kill bacteria, not viruses. So it’s not an effective treatment for things like the flu or COVID-19.