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Skin infections are common, especially skin infections that occur due to bacterial growth on your skin. You can deal with such infections with effective ointments. Bactroban ointment is an effective antibiotic that helps prevent bacterial growth on your skin. This ointment is for topical use and helps treat skin infections like Staph or impetigo. It also helps to ease symptoms like dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, wounds, herpes (cold sores), cuts, grazes, insect bites, minor burns, etc.
Things to keep in mind while using this ointment
This ointment should be applied as told by your skin doctor and continue to use it for the prescribed duration. You may see improvement in symptoms before the infection is fully cured. But, complete the course of its application to cure the infection completely. Make sure the cream doesn’t come in contact with your mouth, lips, eyes, or nose while applying it. If it happens accidentally, rinse the areas with water immediately.
You need to wait for 3 to 5 days to see the results. If there is no improvement in your skin condition or the infection turns worse, see your skin doctor.
Factors to consider before using Bactroban ointment
- Do not use Bactroban ointment if you have an allergic reaction to Mupirocin.
- To ensure that this ointment is safe for you, inform your doctor if you had kidney disease in the past.
- Do not use this cream for children without consulting a medical expert.
- The effects of this ointment are not known for an unborn baby. So, inform your medical expert if you are planning to have a baby or are pregnant.
- Whether this cream passes to the breastmilk or harms the nursing baby is not known. If you are applying this cream to the nipple or breast, wash the skin areas properly before breastfeeding your baby.
How to use this ointment?
Use Bactroban ointment just as directed by the medical expert. Follow the instructions given on the label of the ointment or prescription. Avoid using this cream in excess amounts or for an extended period than prescribed. This cream is not meant for oral use. Wash your hands before & after applying this ointment.
Firstly, clean & dry the infected skin surface. Take a cotton swab to put a small amount of this ointment as instructed. Avoid spreading this ointment over large skin surfaces. This ointment can be applied three times a day for ten days. Do not use this cream in excess amounts.
You can cover the treated skin with a sterile gauze pad. Do not use a bandage, plastic wrap, or other things to cover the areas that prevent the flow of air on the skin. In case the condition gets worse or there is no improvement after using this ointment for 3-5 days, call your medical expert.
Do not skip doses as it can increase the chances of further infection which becomes antibiotics resistant. Even if you see improvement in skin condition before completing the treatment course, continue to use this cream to eradicate the infection.
Store this ointment away from heat & moisture. Avoid keeping it in the fridge. When you are not using this cream, close the tube tightly.
How does this Ointment work?
This ointment is an antibiotic that destroys the bacteria causing skin infection by obstructing the production of necessary proteins required for the growth of bacteria. Hence, it stops the spread of skin infection effectively.
Side effects
After using Bactroban ointment, if you see an allergic reaction, dizziness, hives, fast heartbeats, swollen tongue, lips, face, or throat, and wheezing, seek medical help instantly. Also, call your medical expert if you have
- Severe itching, irritation of the skin, or rash
- Severe diarrhea, stomach pain, or bloody/watery stools
- Unexpected skin peeling or blistering
- Indications of new infection on the skin.
The basic side effects of the skin may include
- Itching
- Stinging or burning
- Pain
Helpful tips to consider while using this ointment
- This ointment treats skin infections caused by bacteria like impetigo.
- Clean the affected area and dry it properly before applying the cream minimum of three times a day. If need you can apply a dressing on the treated area.
- Do not let this ointment enter your nose, mouth, or eyes, and if that happens use cold water to rinse it thoroughly.
- The ointment can result in mild irritation on the skin surface where you applied it. If the irritation doesn’t diminish, let your medical expert know about it.
- Do not continue using it for more than ten days. Discard the cream that is not used.
- If you do not see any improvement after applying it for 3 to 5 days, speak to your skin doctor.
Questions that you may have regarding Bactroban ointment
Is this ointment helpful to treat diaper rash?
This ointment helps treat bacterial infections. So, if the diaper rash occurs due to bacterial infection, this ointment can help.
What if I do not feel better after applying this ointment?
Tell your skin specialist, if the symptoms are not improving or getting worse while using this ointment. If you do not find the expected results after completing the treatment, speak to your skin specialist immediately.
How long do I need to continue applying this ointment?
Use this ointment for the period suggested by your medical expert. It takes at least 10 days to eliminate the bacterial infection after you start applying the ointment. Avoid applying this cream for more than ten days.
Can this ointment cure eczema?
The Bactroban ointment helps treat skin infections caused by bacteria. Eczema is a different inflammatory skin disease. Hence, this cream should not be applied for eczema skin conditions.
Your skin specialist will help you treat eczema differently after diagnosing the condition.
Can I put this ointment on an open wound?
Speak to your skin specialist before using this ointment. Do not use this ointment on open wounds if you are a kidney patient as it can harm your kidneys even more.
After applying this ointment, I experienced a sensation of stinging and burning. Do I need to stop its application?
Well, a burning sensation is a basic side effect of using this cream while stinging is not common. The side effects would disappear in some time. Do not stop the application of this ointment due to its mild effects. For any serious concerns, speak to your medical expert.
Which are the skin areas that I need to avoid applying this ointment?
Do not apply this cream to cure infection near the nostrils, eyes, or mouth. If the cream enters your eyes, mouth, or nose accidentally, rinse thoroughly with water.
In which conditions I should not use this ointment?
If you get an itchy rash, breathlessness, coughing, swollen throat, tongue, lips, face, or any other body parts, wash away this cream immediately.
These can be the signs of a serious allergic reaction. Stop using this cream immediately and seek help from your skin doctor. It is rare but if you get diarrhea or abdominal cramps, stop using this cream immediately and check with your medical expert.
This cream is meant for treating bacterial skin infections. So, do not use it for any skin conditions that are not diagnosed by the doctor. Use this cream only if your skin specialist prescribes you.