I see all the posts condemning the use of Neosporin and the wildly accepted “truth” that Neosporin will ruin your tattoo. I have about 20 tattoos and have used Neosporin on each and everyone, usually for 3 days, then switch over to a clear lotion, like Hawaiian Tropical Suntan lotion. I’ve had my tats for years and they are very crisp and have retained their detail and color over the years. I’m not trying to persuade anyone to follow my care routine, just offering some empirical evidence which contradicts the popular myth that Neosporin will draw color out of the tattoo and ruin it.

The thing is with Neosporin is that some (not all) people are allergic to it. the mojority is about 7 out of every 10 people are allergic to it. Most reactions occur within 24 hours of getting the tattoo. it will look as if its blistering and become extremely sensative in some cases so that even blowing on it can become very painful. Neosporin has an additive in it which makes it heal from the outside in and eats away the bacteria inside the wound. this causes the tattoo to suffocate and blister since it cant breathe properly. and since it cant breathe (the pores are covered) the excess fluids build up on the inside of the wound and cause the blistering effect.

A&E ointment is simply that, Vitamin A&E in a NON PETROLIUM based form. petrolium has the same effect as neosporion so dont use petrolium based A&E ointment.

Some people are allergic to the active ingredients in Neosporin, especially, Neomycin. However, saying that 7 out of 10 are allergic is not substantiated by any study. In fact, most people can tolerate the ingredients in Neosporin very easily. I do agree, however, that before using Neosporin, the patient should use a test patch on their skin prior to getting a tattoo to see if they have a topical reaction. Chances are they won’t. One study I read suggested that 7% experienced any kind of allergic reaction.

I don’t agree with you that any of the three active ingredients in Neosporin do what you say they do. If it were true that Neosporin seals the bacteria inside by closing up the skin, eating away the bacteria inside the bubble, causing blistering, then everyone, regardless of being allergic or not, would exhibit the blistering and swelling 100% of the time – but they they don’t. The symptoms you described are symptoms associated with a severe allergic reaction, not the healing process associated with Neosporin, and we’re talking about a fraction of the population. Neomycin sulphate is bactericidal in action (kills bacteria). It does this by causing the bacteria to produce defective proteins which are essential for their growth. Once the bacteria have been killed, tissues can be repaired by the normal healing process.

As with all topical treatment, the cream/ointment has to be applied thinly, so your skin can breathe. Petroleum based products should never be used. If you are not hypersensitive to the ingredients in Neosporin, then there is nothing wrong with using Neosporin. If your body can tolerate Neosporin, then it’s your best protection against infection, while promoting the healing process.

quote:

Originally posted by antiaustin:
However, saying that 7 out of 10 are allergic is not substantiated by any study. In fact, most people can tolerate the ingredients in Neosporin very easily.

Thank you, austin!

As a paramidic, I've never had ONE patient allergic to it. So my 'research' says 0 of 10.

I think it's because it is a drawing agent and can pull ink out..also it sees the tattoo as an infection and attacks it. I would never use it I use Aquaphor with great results. The only time my artist recommended neosporin is when he thought I had an infection and then the health of myskin became more important than a tattoo. Any damage to the tattoo he promised to fix. Just what I've heard...don't pretend to know.

What ingredient, specifically, has the ability to draw out ink?

As a heavily tattooed guy, and tattoo artist, I'm giving my $.02. I used to use Neosporin on all of my ink work.

That was until last year, when, after getting my knuckles tattooed, I broke out in a sever rash and had difficulty breathing, and vomiting, and SEVERE itching. Now, after a few more tattoos, I seem to have this reaction every time.

At first I thought it was the Green Soap, I know that it is a very strong soap, and I immediately switched to using a Dial anti-microbial on all my clients, trying to avoid any and all reactions. God knows I didn't need them freaking out while they were in the chair.

Then last night, something happened. I have some severely chapped lips. I don't know if it is the dryness here in the Central Valley or what, but my lips have been really chapped. I thought last night as I lay down to go to bed that I would use a little Neo as a lip balm, maybe help o seal all the cracks in my lips... BAD MISTAKE!!!!

Within seconds, my face had swelled up, I was red, itchy, had a hard time breathing, and was vomiting out both ends.

I've done a little research on the Web, and a reaction to Neosporin is not uncommon, although generally not as sever as my reactions.

I think from now on out, I'm using H2Ocean or some other form of aftercare that is currently on the market...

Chris
Chris Hangsleben© Custom Tattoos