Neomycin/polymyxin B/bacitracin, also known as triple antibiotic ointment, is a medication used to reduce the risk of infections following minor skin injuries. It contains three antibiotics: neomycin, polymyxin B, and bacitracin. It is for topical use only and should not be ingested due to risk of kidney damage.Possible side effects include itchiness and skin rash, and in rare cases hearing loss. Use in pregnancy is generally recommended. It is relatively broad spectrum, being effective against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria.The combination was approved for medical use in the United States in 1971. It is available over the counter in the United States. In 2017, it was the 78th most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than ten million prescriptions. It is sold under the brand name Globe and Neosporin, among others and is available generically at most major pharmaceutical retailers. Medical uses
Neomycin/polymyxin B/bacitracin ointment is reported to be a safe and effective topical agent for preventing infections in minor skin trauma.It is used for burns, scratches, cuts, and minor skin infections. The ointment is most effective when applied after cleaning the affected area.The use of neomycin/polymyxin B/bacitracin, decreases infection rates in minor-contaminated wounds. However, if the wound is sterile, then there are no benefits compared to petrolatum (placebo). Side effects
It is for external use only and should not be applied near mucous membranes such as the eyes or mouth. It is not recommended for children under the age of two.
Visual acuity and intraocular pressure assessments can also yield results that are diagnostic of sickle cell retinopathy. Differential diagnosis
Sickle cell retinopathy should be differentiated from other retinal conditions that arise due to similar pathologies. The following differentials are classified by those pathologies. Additional causes of macular ischemiaDiabetic retinopathy
Retinal embolization (talc retinopathy, internal carotid artery embolism)
Retinal vascular occlusion
Infectious retinopathyInflammatory diseases leading to ischemiaSarcoidosis
Retinal vasculitis
Intermediate uveitis
Acute retinal necrosisAlternative causes of ischemic vascular diseaseProliferative diabetic retinopathy
Central retinal vein occlusion
Branch retinal vein occlusion
Ocular ischemic syndromE
Radiation retinopathy
Retinopathy of prematurityUnclassified causesIncontinentia pigmenti
Autosomal dominant vitreoretinochoroidopathy
Chronic rhegmatogenous retinal detachment
Scleral buckle
Retinitis pigmentosa

Prevention
Screening
Screening is an important pillar of prevention of sickle cell retinopathy as it provides the benefit of early detection and treatment thus reducing complications. Screening also provides an opportunity for education of families predisposed to retinopathy as a result of a family history of sickle cell disease. Screening can take the form of DNA screening at birth and Ophthalmology-related examinations later in life. DNA screening in newborns at risk of having sickle cell disease allows the early diagnosis of the disease. Families can then be educated on the possible effects of sickle cell disease at each stage of life. Ophthalmology-related examinations - dilated fundoscopic examination is recommended from the age of 10 and biannually thereafter in patients with no abnormal retinal findings. Fluorescein angiography and angioscopy is recommended for patients with abnormal findings that may be indicative of proliferative sickle cell retinopathy. The frequency of follow up appointments is determined by the ophthalmologist based on the severity of the findings.