The Common Medicine Cabinet Staple That Doctors Say You Should Stop Using

A tube of antibiotic ointment has become an almost automatic first aid for a scraped knee, paper cut, or minor gash. But Washington Post gastroenterologist Trisha Pasricha says the habit deserves another look.

In her September 21 column, Pasricha says topical antibiotics such as bacitracin and similar products often offer little benefit over regular petroleum jelly for minor, uncomplicated injuries. What’s surprising is that this isn’t just a new medical theory.

A 1996 randomized controlled trial published in JAMA followed 922 patients with 1,249 wounds after dermatological surgery. Infection rates were similarly low between patients treated with bacitracin and those given white petroleum jelly, while recovery showed no clinically significant difference.

As Pasricha says, the topical antibiotic may not be “more effective than simple petroleum jelly.”

Antibiotics can create another problem

The problem is not that antibiotic ointments are useless in all medical situations. On the contrary, their regular use on small, clean cuts can expose people to potential disadvantages without providing much additional benefit.

Allergic contact dermatitis is a concern. Previous research has documented reactions associated with topical antibiotics, particularly neomycin. One study found postoperative allergic contact dermatitis in patients using topical antibiotics, while other research identified bacitracin among common sensitizers in people with chronic leg ulcers.

This creates an ironic scenario: someone trying to protect a small wound can potentially irritate the surrounding skin with the product intended to help it heal.

So what should you wear in case of a minor scratch?

Pasricha’s answer is refreshingly simple: clean the wound, keep it moist with vaseline, and cover it appropriately. His argument is particularly relevant because minor cuts and scrapes are common, especially among children.

The evidence does not mean that antibiotics should never be used. Deeper, contaminated or infected wounds may require medical evaluation and, in some circumstances, antibiotic treatment.

But for ordinary household chores, simple Vaseline found in the medicine cabinet may be enough.

This story was originally published by Men’s Journal on September 26, 2026, where he first appeared in the Health section. Add Men’s Journal as Favorite source by clicking here.