Eczema is a common skin condition. Mupirocin is a medication often discussed in relation to eczema. It does not treat eczema directly, but rather addresses a common complication that can arise.
What Mupirocin Is
Mupirocin is a prescription topical antibiotic, available as ointments and creams. It inhibits the growth of specific bacteria by preventing them from producing essential proteins. Mupirocin is particularly effective against Gram-positive bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Streptococcus pyogenes. Its topical application allows for concentrated action at the site of infection with minimal systemic absorption.
Eczema and Secondary Infections
Eczema compromises the skin’s protective barrier, leading to dryness, inflammation, and itching. This makes the skin susceptible to infection by bacteria normally present on the skin, such as Staphylococcus aureus. Scratching further breaks the skin, creating open wounds that serve as entry points for these microorganisms. When bacteria proliferate on eczematous skin, they can cause a secondary infection. Signs include increased redness, swelling, pain, warmth, weeping, oozing, honey-colored crusts, or pus-filled blisters.
How Mupirocin Helps Eczema-Related Infections
Mupirocin does not treat eczema directly, as it is an inflammatory skin condition, not a bacterial infection; instead, it eliminates secondary bacterial infections common on eczematous skin. By clearing these bacteria, mupirocin alleviates infection-specific symptoms like oozing, crusting, and increased inflammation, improving skin condition. Clearing the infection also allows other eczema treatments, such as topical corticosteroids, to work more effectively. Healthcare providers may prescribe mupirocin for conditions like impetiginized eczema, where impetigo complicates eczema. It can also be used to decolonize Staphylococcus aureus from the skin or nasal passages in individuals with severe or recurrent eczema-related infections.
Using Mupirocin Safely
Mupirocin is for external use only and should be applied as directed by a healthcare professional. A small amount of the ointment or cream is typically applied as a thin layer to the affected skin area three times a day. The duration of treatment usually ranges from 5 to 10 days, and it is important to complete the full prescribed course, even if symptoms improve sooner, to prevent antibiotic resistance. Common side effects are generally mild and localized, including burning, stinging, itching, or pain at the application site. If severe irritation, worsening symptoms, or signs of an allergic reaction occur, medical advice should be sought promptly.