From the Guidelines
For a small infected follicle in the axilla, mupirocin ointment should be applied three times daily for 7-10 days. This recommendation is based on general guidelines for the treatment of skin and soft-tissue infections, although specific guidance for the duration and frequency of mupirocin application for small infected follicles in the axilla is not directly provided in the study by 1. The application of mupirocin ointment directly to the affected area after gently cleaning it with mild soap and water, then patting dry, is a practical approach. It's also advisable to cover the area with a bandage if needed to prevent the ointment from rubbing off onto clothing. Completing the full course of treatment, even if the infection appears to improve within a few days, is crucial for ensuring the infection is fully cleared. Mupirocin works by stopping bacterial growth through inhibition of bacterial protein synthesis, making it effective against common skin bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus, as discussed in the context of controlling recurrent furunculosis by 1. If the infection worsens, spreads, or doesn't improve after 3-5 days of treatment, or if fever or increasing redness develops, seeking medical attention is necessary as oral antibiotics may be required. Keeping the area clean and avoiding shaving the affected area until the infection resolves can help prevent spreading the infection.
Key considerations for managing small infected follicles include:
- Applying mupirocin ointment as directed to promote healing and prevent the spread of infection.
- Maintaining good hygiene practices to prevent the spread of infection.
- Monitoring the infection for signs of worsening or failure to improve with treatment, which may necessitate further medical evaluation.
- Avoiding actions that could exacerbate the infection or spread it to other areas, such as shaving the affected area until it has fully healed.
Given the information provided by 1 on the management of skin and soft-tissue infections, and considering the principles of treating such infections, the approach outlined above is a reasonable and evidence-based strategy for managing a small infected follicle in the axilla with mupirocin ointment.
From the FDA Drug Label
A small amount of mupirocin ointment should be applied to the affected area three times daily. The recommended duration of treatment is not explicitly stated, but patients not showing a clinical response within 3 to 5 days should be re-evaluated. The recommended frequency of mupirocin ointment application is three times daily 2.
From the Research
Mupirocin Treatment for Infected Follicle in Axilla
- The recommended duration and frequency of mupirocin ointment application for a small infected follicle in the axilla can be inferred from studies on the treatment of primary and secondary skin infections, including folliculitis.
- A study from 1989 3 found that applying mupirocin ointment three times daily for an average of nine days was effective in treating superficial skin infections, including pyoderma and secondarily infected skin lesions.
- Another study from 1989 4 compared the efficacy of topical 2% mupirocin and 2% fusidic acid ointment in treating primary and secondary skin infections, and found that both treatments were effective when applied three times a day for seven days.
- A study from 2000 5 evaluated the efficacy of a new cream formulation of mupirocin in experimental skin infections, and found that it was effective when applied three times daily for a further 3 days after initial treatment.
- There is no specific study that directly addresses the treatment of a small infected follicle in the axilla with mupirocin ointment, but based on the available evidence, applying mupirocin ointment three times daily for 7-9 days may be a reasonable approach 3, 4, 5.
- It is essential to note that the efficacy and safety of mupirocin ointment may vary depending on the individual patient and the specific infection being treated, and that further research is needed to determine the optimal treatment regimen for bacterial folliculitis and boils 6.