From the Guidelines
For superficial skin infections, I recommend using mupirocin 2% topical ointment, as it is a effective treatment option for minor skin infections such as impetigo and secondarily infected skin lesions, as stated in the clinical practice guidelines by the Infectious Diseases Society of America 1. When using mupirocin 2% topical ointment, apply a thin layer to the affected area 2-3 times daily after gently cleaning with mild soap and water.
- Cover with a bandage if needed to protect the area.
- Continue treatment for 7-10 days, even if the infection appears to improve sooner. Some key considerations when using topical antibiotics include:
- Keeping the area clean and avoiding scratching helps prevent spreading the infection to other body areas.
- If the infection worsens, spreads, or doesn't improve within 3-5 days, or if you develop fever or increasing redness, seek medical attention as you may need oral antibiotics. It's also important to note that tetracyclines should not be used in children <8 years of age, as stated in the guidelines 1. Overall, mupirocin 2% topical ointment is a effective and recommended treatment option for superficial skin infections, and should be used in accordance with the guidelines and under medical supervision if necessary.
From the FDA Drug Label
INDICATIONS AND USAGE Mupirocin ointment, 2% is indicated for the topical treatment of impetigo due to: Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes. Mupirocin (TOP) cream is indicated for the treatment of impetigo, a type of superficial skin infection caused by Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes 2.
From the Research
Superficial Skin Infection Creams
- The efficacy of various creams in treating superficial skin infections has been studied in several research papers 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
- Sodium fusidate ointment and mupirocin ointment have been compared in several studies, with results showing that both preparations are effective in treating superficial skin sepsis 3, 5, 6.
- Mupirocin cream has been shown to be significantly more effective than mupirocin ointment in reducing bacterial numbers in some studies 4.
- Fusidic acid cream has been compared to mupirocin cream, with results showing that both are effective in treating superficial skin infections 4, 7.
- The choice of cream may depend on the specific type of infection and the presence of dressings, with some creams being more suitable for use on lesions requiring no dry dressing 7.
Comparison of Creams
- Sodium fusidate ointment and mupirocin ointment have been shown to have similar efficacy in treating superficial skin infections, with response rates of 85-97% 3, 5, 6.
- Mupirocin cream has been shown to be as effective as, or superior to, oral and other topical agents commonly used for skin infections 4.
- Fusidic acid cream has been shown to be equally effective as mupirocin cream in treating superficial skin infections 4, 7.