Mupirocin ointment is used to treat bacterial skin infections such as impetigo and MRSA caused by Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Streptococcus pyogenes.

Impetigo is highly contagious and is easily spread through touch or contact with the clothing and towels of an individual who has been infected. Because it is so contagious, impetigo is the most common skin infection in children between the ages of 2 and 5. Even though children are most commonly affected by impetigo, adults and older children are able to be infected as well. Impetigo outbreaks occur more frequently in warm, humid climates and in crowded settings such as schools. Once this bacteria has entered the body, it results in an itchy, red, and sometimes painful rash. The rash outbreak commonly occurs around the nose and mouth but may spread to the arms, legs, trunk, and buttocks. The sores that make up this rash will eventually burst. After several days, these burst sores will begin to crust over.

MRSA, or methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, is a bacterial infection that is hard to treat as it is resistant to many antibiotics. The risk of catching MRSA is increased if you reside in a nursing home, are hospitalized, or have skin-to-skin contact with others, such as through sports. The infection enters a broken area of skin, such as a cut or scrape. The infected skin may be red, swollen, painful, or draining pus. It is important to keep the area clean and covered and to seek appropriate medical care.

You can use mupirocin on an open wound when directed by your provider. Mupirocin is for surface-level skin infections caused by certain bacteria.

Mupirocin should not be used on large, deep, or severe puncture wounds or extensive burns. In those cases, an oral antibiotic such as ampicillin, clindamycin, or minocycline will be prescribed.

Mupirocin most often causes local reactions at the application site.

These include:

• Itching
• Burning
• Stinging
• Pain
• Irritation.

Mupirocin is only available as a prescription from a licensed health care provider.

Looking for a [prescription antibiotic]?(https://sesamecare.com/complaint/skin-infection). Sesame providers can prescribe mupirocin or refill an existing one after an online video visit. Simply book a visit on our website and meet with a licensed provider today. If mupirocin treatment is appropriate, your prescription can be sent to a local pharmacy for convenient and possibly even same-day pickup.

You can get a mupirocin prescription online after an online visit with a Sesame provider. During the visit, your provider will discuss your health needs, health history, and whether treatment with mupirocin is appropriate.

If approved, your prescription can be sent to a local pharmacy or to an online pharmacy for home delivery. All prescriptions are at the discretion of the provider.

Mupirocin is applied topically to the skin. It is typically applied three times a day for 5 to 10 days, depending on your condition. If you are using mupirocin ointment in your nose, it should be applied twice a day.

Be sure to use it for the full treatment length. Stopping early can cause the infection to return. If you do not notice an improvement in 3 to 5 days, reach out to your provider.