When you have a skin infection that won’t heal with regular cleaning, Bactroban, a prescription topical antibiotic containing mupirocin. Also known as mupirocin ointment, it’s one of the go-to treatments for stubborn bacterial skin infections like impetigo and infected cuts. Unlike oral antibiotics that flood your whole body, Bactroban targets the infection right where it is—on your skin or inside your nose—without messing with your gut or causing widespread side effects.
Bactroban is often used for MRSA, a type of staph bacteria resistant to common antibiotics that can live harmlessly in your nose but cause serious infections if it gets into a cut. Doctors sometimes prescribe it as a nasal ointment to wipe out MRSA carriers before surgery or to stop outbreaks in homes or gyms. It’s also common for kids with impetigo—a contagious, crusty rash—because it’s gentle and works fast. The active ingredient, mupirocin, a naturally derived antibiotic that blocks bacterial protein production, doesn’t easily trigger resistance, which is why it’s still trusted after decades of use.
You won’t find Bactroban on pharmacy shelves without a prescription. It’s not a cure-all for rashes or acne—only for confirmed bacterial infections. Using it when you don’t need it can lead to resistance, and it won’t touch fungal or viral skin issues. If your skin looks red, swollen, or oozing, see a doctor before reaching for any antibiotic. Many of the posts below compare Bactroban with other topical treatments like Neosporin or retapamulin, show real-world usage tips, and explain how to avoid common mistakes like applying too little or stopping too soon.
What you’ll find here isn’t just a list of articles—it’s a practical guide to understanding when Bactroban makes sense, how it stacks up against other options, and what to watch out for. Whether you’re dealing with a stubborn infection, caring for someone who is, or just trying to make sense of why your doctor ordered it, these posts cut through the noise and give you what actually matters.
A detailed side‑by‑side look at Bactroban (mupirocin) versus other topical antibiotics, covering uses, cost, safety and how to pick the right ointment.