If you have ever suffered from a skin infection, you know how annoying and frustrating it can be. You might have tried different remedies and treatments, but nothing seemed to work. Or maybe you were afraid of the side effects of some antibiotics.
Well, there is good news for you. There is a simple and safe solution for your skin infection: mupirocin. Mupirocin is a topical antibiotic that you apply to your skin three times a day. It can clear up your skin infection in a matter of days, without causing any serious side effects. It can treat various types of skin infections, such as impetigo, boils, wounds, and rashes.
But wait? Does it also prove to be effective for treating Perioral Dermatitis? If yes, then why is it suitable?
Let us have a look at the deets!
Bird eye view of facts about Mupirocin
BEST FOR: Bacterial skin infections like impetigo, boils, wounds, and rashes.
USES: Mupirocin is a topical antibiotic that kills or stops the growth of bacteria on the skin. It is applied to the infected skin three times a day for up to 10 days.
POTENTIAL ALLERGENS: Mupirocin may cause allergic reactions or severe irritation on the skin. Symptoms of an allergy include trouble breathing, swelling, itching, or a rash. Mupirocin should not be used by people who are allergic to it or its ingredients.
PRICE: The price of mupirocin varies depending on the pharmacy, dosage form, and brand name. The average cost for 1 tube of ointment (22g) of 2% strength is around $52.99, but it can be lower with a coupon or discount.
ABOUT THE BRAND: Mupirocin is available as a generic drug and under several brand names. The most common brand name is Bactroban, which is made by GlaxoSmithKline. Other brand names include Centany, Centany AT, and Centany AT Kit, which are made by Medimetriks Pharmaceuticals.
Are You Wondering What is Mupirocin?
So basically, Mupirocin is a topical antibiotic that can help you treat various skin infections caused by bacteria. It is available as a cream or an ointment that you apply to the infected area of your skin. Adults and children can use it, but it is not for infants under 2 months of age. Mupirocin is especially effective against MRSA, a type of bacteria that is resistant to many other antibiotics and can cause serious infections in hospitals.
Mupirocin works by stopping the bacteria from making proteins that they need to live and grow. This way, mupirocin stops the infection from getting worse and lets your body fight it off. You usually need to use mupirocin for 5 to 10 days, depending on how bad your infection is.
Mupirocin is usually safe and effective, but it can have some side effects. Some people may get burning, stinging, itching, redness, dryness, or rash on their skin where they use mupirocin. Some people may also have an allergic reaction to mupirocin or its ingredients. If you have any of these problems, you should stop using mupirocin and talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
What Skin Concerns it Addresses?
Mupirocin ointment is indicated for the topical treatment of impetigo due to susceptible isolates of Streptococcus pyogenes and Staphylococcus aureus. Impetigo is a common bacterial infection that causes blisters and crusts on the skin. It usually affects children, but adults can also get it. It can spread easily from person to person through direct contact or sharing items.
Mupirocin ointment can also be used for other types of skin infections caused by bacteria, such as boils, wounds, and rashes. Boils are painful lumps that form under the skin due to an infected hair follicle or sweat gland. Wounds are injuries that break the skin and expose it to bacteria. Rashes are areas of inflamed or irritated skin that can have various causes and symptoms.
Some of the skin concerns it addresses are:
Impetigo: A skin infection that causes blisters and crusts on the skin. Mupirocin kills the bacteria that cause impetigo and helps heal the blisters and crusts on the skin.
Folliculitis: An inflammation of the hair follicles. Mupirocin clears the infection and reduces the inflammation of the hair follicles.
Furunculosis: A condition where boils form under the skin due to an infected hair follicle or sweat gland. Mupirocin eliminates the bacteria that cause furunculosis and helps drain the pus and heal the boils under the skin.
Ecthyma: A deep form of impetigo that affects the lower layers of the skin and causes ulcers and scabs. Mupirocin prevents the bacteria from spreading deeper into the skin and helps repair the ulcers and scabs caused by ecthyma.
Infected dermatoses: Skin conditions that can become infected by bacteria and cause inflammation and irritation, such as eczema, rosacea, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, epidermolysis bullosa, and ichthyosis. Mupirocin fights the bacteria and by inhibiting bacterial growth that infect the skin and helps soothe the inflammation and irritation caused by various skin conditions.
Perioral dermatitis: A skin condition that causes red, scaly, and itchy patches around the mouth, nose, and eyes. Mupirocin targets the bacteria that trigger perioral dermatitis and helps restore the balance and health of the skin around the mouth, nose, and eyes.
Concern of Focus: Does it help Perioral Dermatitis?
Since it addresses many skin conditions, then does it effectively help in treating Perioral Dermatitis? This skin condition is marked with red scaly patches around mouth, nose, and eyes. If the antibiotic treatment can help it, then using Mupirocin must count as a successful treatment, shouldn’t it?
The anti-inflammatory activity of Mupirocin must not be disregarded. As we know that red scaly patches are associated with the bacterial growth and yeast infections, so application of Mupirocin is found to be beneficial to get rid of inflammatory papules. Mupirocin inhibits growth of bacteria in Perioral Dermatitis just as in any other bacterial infection.
However, it may or may not work if you have Perioral Dermatitis. The use of antibiotic ointments depend on the severity of the infection and uniqueness of the skin condition. For mild forms of dermatitis, it may effectively work, but your doctor may prescribe any suitable ointment if you have worsened form of Perioral Dermatitis. Also, it is worth considering that sometimes the triggers of Perioral Dermatitis may not be bacteria, but it could be some topical steroid cream, yeast infection, or cosmetic products.
Besides the fact that it is workable for PD, but the usage of antibiotic creams also rely greatly on antibiotic resistance, potential triggers and severity of inflammatory skin condition.
How to use this ointment carefully?
So, you need to be cautious for how you use this antibiotic ointment too. Follow the steps below for effective results:
Step 1: Wash your hands before and after applying mupirocin ointment.
Step 2: Clean the affected area of your skin with mild soap and water and pat it dry.
Step 3: Apply a thin layer of mupirocin ointment to the affected area three times a day or as directed by your doctor.
Step 4: Do not rub or spread the ointment too much.
Step 5: Do not cover the treated area with bandages or dressings unless your doctor tells you to.
Step 6: Use mupirocin ointment for as long as your doctor prescribes it. Do not stop using it even if your symptoms improve, as this may lead to bacterial resistance or recurrence of the infection.
Step 7: If you miss a dose of mupirocin ointment, apply it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not apply extra ointment to make up for the missed dose.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is it safe to use Mupirocin for hidradenitis suppurativa?
Definitely, mupirocin ointment can be used for the effective treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa.”
2. Is the use of Mupirocin safe on open wounds?
It is totally safe to use it on open wounds.”
3. For Mupirocin to work, how long does it usually take?
It typically takes up to 3 to 5 days for Mupirocin to effectively work.”
4. Is Mupirocin included in the treatment for Acne?
Not at all! It is a very mild antibiotic so it may not be very effective like erythromycin or benzoyl peroxide.”
5. If I have eczema, then can I use Mupirocin?
Mupirocin ointment can, however, certainly be used for eczema. Eczema treatment can include Mupirocin. Since it is mild, so it can definitely be used for Eczema on the face.”
6. Do you use Mupirocin ointment for rosacea?
For rosacea, Mupirocin ointment can be used because of its antibiotic nature and anti-inflammatory properties.”
Summing it Up!
So ending the discussion by saying that this comprehensive guide includes all useful information you need to know about the antibiotic ointment Mupirocin. Remember that all skin concerns are dealt with according to the severity of the skin disease.
Before adding Mupirocin to your skincare treatment list, do not forget to pay a visit to your doctor/dermatologist to be aware of the skin problem before.