Does Mupirocin treat acne? 

Does Mupirocin treat acne? 

Mupirocin can treat acne, but it only works against a few bacterial strains responsible for causing acne. It is a skin condition that can be caused by a number of bacteria and Mupirocin can not eradicate all of them. 

If your acne has bacteria which is sensitive to the effects of Mupirocin, it will definitely work. If you have persistent acne, talk to your healthcare provider. It’s not recommended to start using antibiotics without consulting your doctor first. 

How to ensure effective treatment of acne with Mupirocin? 

The first thing to ensure effective treatment of acne is to follow your doctor’s directions. If your doctor prescribes Mupirocin cream, ensure you apply it properly and as often as your doctor has asked you to. 

If you fail to see a positive change in your condition within 2-3 days, report back to your doctor. Make sure that you are using Mupirocin in the right way. It is also important to check for expiry date if the medication was purchased a while ago.

What are the side effects of Mupirocin when used for acne?

Mupirocin may cause some side effects, although it is a well-tolerated antibiotic ointment. When used topically for bacterial skin infections, some possible side effects of mupirocin may include (1): 

  • Itching or burning at the application site
  • Skin rash or hives
  • Swelling or redness of the skin
  • Pain or discomfort at the application site
  • Headache
  • Nausea

If you experience any of these side effects or any other unusual symptoms, reach out to your healthcare provider right away. It is also important to follow the instructions provided by your provider and use the medication only as directed.

What to do if acne is not getting better by using Mupirocin? 

If you don’t observe symptomatic relief after using Mupirocin cream properly, talk to your healthcare provider. There are plenty of other topical antibiotics which are considered far better at treating acne than Mupirocin. 

Topical preparations of Erythromycin and Clindamycin are commonly used to treat acne (2). Some people may need oral antibiotics to treat acne from within. 

Make sure you properly follow your doctor’s recommended dose. It is also important to make sure that you complete your antibiotic treatment, especially if you are taking oral antibiotics. 

Leaving your antibiotics halfway can make your acne return as the remaining bacteria will start to regrow. This is why it’s important to take antibiotics in the right manner. 

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References

1.-

National Library of Medicine. MedlinePlus. Mupirocin Topical [Internet]. U.S. National Library of Medicine. 2021 [cited 2023 Jan 25]. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a688004.html.

2.-

Rathi SK. Acne vulgaris treatment: the current scenario. Indian J Dermatol. 2011 Jan;56(1):7-13. doi: 10.4103/0019-5154.77543. PMID: 21572783; PMCID: PMC3088940. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21572783/