- #1
wasteofo2
- 477
- 2
Just curious if antibiotics you might put on a band-aid over a wound that risks infection could kill/harm the skin cells around it.
Are antibiotics harmful to human skin cells?
Click For Summary
Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the potential effects of antibiotics, specifically topical antibiotics like Neosporin, on human skin cells when applied to wounds. Participants explore the implications of antibiotic concentration, type, and the biological response to infection.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory
- Technical explanation
- Debate/contested
Main Points Raised
- Some participants suggest that the effects of antibiotics on skin cells depend on the concentration and type used, with a threshold below which they are not considered harmful.
- One participant notes that the risk of skin cell death may be greater from the inflammatory response to infection than from the antibiotic itself.
- There is a discussion about the mechanism of action of aminoglycoside antibiotics, including their effects on bacterial ribosomes and potential impacts on eukaryotic cells.
- Some participants clarify the classification of the antibiotic as bactericidal rather than bacteriostatic, discussing its effects on protein synthesis and membrane integrity.
- Concerns are raised about the potential for neosporin dermatitis when used for extended periods, which could hinder healing and exacerbate skin issues.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express varying views on the safety and effects of topical antibiotics, with no consensus reached on the overall impact on skin cells or the conditions under which harm may occur.
Contextual Notes
Limitations include the dependence on specific antibiotic types and concentrations, as well as the biological variability in responses to topical treatments.
Who May Find This Useful
This discussion may be of interest to individuals concerned about the use of topical antibiotics, healthcare professionals, and those studying pharmacology or dermatology.
- #2
iansmith
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It will depend on the concentration and type of antibitiotic use. It is only consider an antibiotic if the concentration used does not harm the recipient. Then it becomes a toxin. 
If the concentration used is below the toxic level then no harm should be done to your cells.
If the concentration used is below the toxic level then no harm should be done to your cells.
- #3
wasteofo2
- 477
- 2
Alright, thanks, it was just some neosporin, so I guess my skin cells won't go cancerous. 
- #4
Moonbear
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The skin cells would have a greater risk of dying from the inflammatory response to infection than from an over-the-counter topical antibiotic.
And the top layer of skin is already dead cells. Inside the cut is the place where live cells would be exposed to the antibiotic.
And the top layer of skin is already dead cells. Inside the cut is the place where live cells would be exposed to the antibiotic.
- #5
Monique
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The antibiotic belongs to the aminoglycosides class, that binds to the 30S subunit of bacterial ribosomes and block the attachment of the 50S subunit to the initiation complex.
Although the eukaryotic ribosomes in the cytosol are relatively unaffected by these drugs, ribosomes in the mitochondria are sensitive to their effects (remember that mitochondria have a prokaryotic evolutionary history).
So the dose used will determine the effect.
Although the eukaryotic ribosomes in the cytosol are relatively unaffected by these drugs, ribosomes in the mitochondria are sensitive to their effects (remember that mitochondria have a prokaryotic evolutionary history).
So the dose used will determine the effect.
- #6
aychamo
- 375
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So the antibiotic is bacteria-static?
- #7
Monique
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Bacteriostatic? You'd think so (as with tetracyclin or chloramphenicol which also inhibit protein synthesis), but no, it is bactericidal :)
Apparently it can inhibit mRNA translation to protein, with the little translation occurring it causes misreading and thus nonsense peptides, but apparently there is also an effect on the membrane which becomes leaky that would explain the bactericidal nature of the antibiotic.
Apparently it can inhibit mRNA translation to protein, with the little translation occurring it causes misreading and thus nonsense peptides, but apparently there is also an effect on the membrane which becomes leaky that would explain the bactericidal nature of the antibiotic.
- #8
wasteofo2
- 477
- 2
Gawd Dayum girl! Thanks for that explantion, I feel so filled with knowledge now!
- #9
adrenaline
Science Advisor
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neosporin if applied for longer than a week can induce neosporin dermatitis , a form of contact dermatitis and can actually excacerbate redness and prevent good tissue healing. It is notorious for it.
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