Bactroban (whose active ingredient is mupirocin) is an antibiotic formulated for topical applications (on the skin), which kills certain types of bacteria or fights bacterial skin infections, such as impetigo or methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). If you are developing a dermatological infection, you need to take prompt action to get rid of it before it spreads to other areas of the body or is passed on to other family members. The drug is available only by prescription; if you want it to be effective at its best, you need to know how to use it properly.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Using the Bactroban Correctly
Step 1. Wash your hands
You need to wash them with warm soapy water before (and after) applying the medication to your skin. Make sure your hands are perfectly dry before putting the ointment on your skin. Make sure that the soap creates a nice lather to be carefully distributed on the hands (palms and backs) and fingers.
- You can use any type of soap you want, but antibacterial ones are recommended.
- Washing your hands before applying the drug eliminates the dirt and germs present before touching the affected area; washing them later will also get rid of the ointment residues, so as not to risk contact with the eyes or mouth.
Step 2. Clean the infected area
Use warm soapy water the same way you washed your hands; at the end, dry the skin thoroughly with a clean cloth or towel before putting the medication. If the infection is located in a hard-to-reach area of the body, it may be easier to apply it while showering.
Use a fragrance-free soap to wash the infected area; those with artificial fragrances and dyes can irritate the skin and can even cause pain if the infection is severe
Step 3. Smear the medicine on the skin
Squeeze the tube to extract a small amount of ointment to put on the fingers or palm of the hand and then distribute it evenly over all the infected skin. Usually, a small dose of cream is sufficient; follow the directions on the package or those given to you by your doctor.
- If you have impetigo you will need to apply Bactroban twice a day for five days. You can cover it with gauze and double check if there has been no improvement for three to five days.
- If you have a bacterial skin infection, be sure to limit the area where you apply Bactroban. The area where this ointment is applied should not be larger than the size of the palm of your hand (approximately 100 cm2).
- Bactroban is not fully absorbed by the skin as soon as you apply it and you may notice a thin residual layer on the treated area.
- After application, you can cover the infected area with a bandage if you wish, as long as it is made of breathable material (such as gauze).
Step 4. Complete the treatment as prescribed
It is essential to use Bactroban for as long as your doctor tells you (generally about 10 days) or as described on the leaflet. If you stop applying earlier, because the infection seems to have disappeared, you may actually aggravate the situation and have a more severe relapse, which can also be resistant to the antibiotic.
- Apply Bactroban 3 times a day for 10 days for a bacterial skin infection. See your doctor if you don't see any improvement within 3-5 days.
- This is a good reason not to use the drug without a prescription, in case you managed to get it without a prescription.
- If you miss a dose by mistake, smear it as soon as you remember, unless the time for the next application has already arrived; in this case, skip the missed dose. You don't have to apply double the amount without your doctor's approval.
Part 2 of 3: Using Nasal Bactroban
Step 1. Follow your doctor's instructions
Before using Nasal Bactroban, make sure you fully understand your doctor's instructions and follow them carefully. Read the label carefully and call your doctor if you have any questions about using the drug, such as how long or how often to apply it.
Step 2. Wash your hands before and after using Nasal Bactroban
It is important to make sure your hands are clean before and after applying this ointment. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water and dry them completely before and after using Bactroban.
Step 3. Distribute half of the disposable tube in each nostril
To start, insert the application tube into one nostril, then push half of the ointment into it. Then insert the tube into the other nostril and apply the other half of the medication.
Step 4. Press on the nostrils to spread the medicine
After applying all the ointment in both nostrils, start pressing on the sides of the nostrils alternately. Alternate between gently pressing the right and left nostrils for about a minute.
Step 5. Discard the tube
After application is complete, dispose of the medicine tube and do not reuse it. These tubes are intended for a single application of Bactroban and should not be reused.
Part 3 of 3: Continue with the Cures
Step 1. Check the situation after 3 or 5 days
Look for physical signs of improvement; if you do not notice any signs of change or the situation appears to be aggravating, seek medical attention as soon as possible, as these signs may indicate a mupirocin resistant infection; if so, Bactroban is not effective for you.
- The infection is unlikely to go away completely within 3-5 days of starting treatment, but you should notice some obvious signs of improvement.
- Keep applying the medicine until you can see your doctor for a visit, unless the infection gets worse.
Step 2. Pay attention to side effects
The ones listed below are potential adverse reactions that you need to watch closely: skin dryness, irritation, burning, itching, redness and blistering. If you experience any of these symptoms when applying Bactroban, discontinue use immediately and see your doctor so that he can review the situation.
- You may be allergic to any ingredient in the drug, in which case you should no longer apply it; however, it is advisable for the doctor to make this assessment.
- Young children, pregnant women and the elderly may experience additional side effects; ask your doctor about possible reactions affecting these categories of people.
- Some serious adverse effects that require immediate medical attention are: difficulty breathing, hives, wheezing, severe rash, itching or swelling in the mouth or throat.
Step 3. Avoid combining Bactroban with other ointments
Although mupirocin is not known to have adverse interactions with other medications or creams, it is still advised not to apply other products, lotions or ointments to the same area that you smeared the drug on, as it may dilute it making it less effective.
- If you have to put Bactroban and another topical cream on the same skin surface, wait at least half an hour between applications.
- Putting a lotion or cream on infected skin can cause irritation, especially if it contains perfumes; furthermore, it may become more difficult to understand if the active ingredient is really effective for your situation.
Step 4. Review the problem
Once the medication period is over, look at the skin and check for signs of persistent (or recurring) infection. if it does not seem completely eradicated (and you have finished treatment with Bactroban), you should contact your doctor.
- Do not start taking the medicine again without first talking to your doctor, as the infection may worsen in some situations (for example, making the bacteria resistant to the antibiotic).
- Wait a couple of days after treatment is finished before determining that the infection has not been eradicated.
Advice
- Talk to your doctor if you are taking any other over-the-counter or prescription medications, vitamins, or herbal remedies.
- If you have previously applied other topical ointments to treat the infection, discontinue use before starting treatment with Bactroban (unless your doctor tells you to continue this way).
- Store the drug at 20-25 ° C (and preferably not in the bathroom).
Warnings
- Do not apply the drug for longer or more frequently than directed by your doctor, as you may increase the risk of developing an antibiotic-resistant infection.
- Do not apply it to large, open wounds or skin lesions.
- Avoid Bactroban coming into contact with your mouth, nose or eyes; if it accidentally happens, rinse it off right away.
- The medicine is not suitable for patients suffering from kidney problems, as they may be sensitive to the ingredients of Bactroban.
