Originally Posted by sch
One comment on NEOsporin, the neomycin component is a well known
skin sensitizer and repeated use can result in a poison ivy like dermatitis
that would be really obnoxious. POLYsporin is similar sans the neomycin
that causes the problem. If you feel constrained to use the antibiotic
ointment use POLYsporin instead.. FWIW both ointments have a vaseline
base with added antibiotics that have some topical action. Occasional
use of Neosporin rarely causes a problem, but bike lube use tends to be
recurrent so the risk is higher.
As a general rule, I would think it could be problematic to frequently use an antiseptic, antibiotic, or anything that isn't a lubricant/skin care product. None of these medications are intended for frequent usage. Likewise if you don't have irritated skin, then no medical treatment is needed. All you need is some kind of anti-chafe lubricant to prevent irritation.
One of the links I supplied earlier touched on this. A doctor recommended vaseline to prevent chafing. But if chafing occured, then use Bag Balm for an overnight treatment. I think this would be much safer than using Bag Balm or Neosporin or whatever medication on every ride, even when you don't have a problem to treat.
OTOH, if one usually didn't use anything, or used vaseline or Assos or Chamois BUTT'r, but was going on a tough 200 miler & wanted to play it safe, then a one-time or infrequent application of Bag Balm or whatever shouldn't be a problem.
Being an everyday user of anti-chafe products, I use non-medicated products unless I have an irritation.