The effectiveness of mupirocin for acne is largely dependent upon the individual, the cause of the acne, and the specifics of the prescription. This variation results in a disparity of results, meaning the success for one person does not necessarily translate into success for a different individual. For this reason, it is difficult to generalize the effectiveness of mupirocin.
Acne is a common skin disease characterized by a number of aesthetically compromising physical effects, including scaly skin, redness, and the presence of infected pustules. The cause of acne involves genetic susceptibility, hormonal changes, and personal hygiene, which may contribute to the existence of acne-causing bacteria. Some people are born with acne-prone skin, whereas others may seldom experience a breakout. Hormonal changes brought on by the onset of puberty contribute to acne forming, and because bacteria is the culprit for this skin disease, poor hygiene may also be at fault in some sufferers.
Mupirocin is a commonly used antibiotic for the treatment of many bacteria-driven issues. This antibiotic is marketed most commonly as Bactroban® and is typically applied topically for the treatment of infections. It is composed as a medley of pseudonomic acids, effectively targeting bacteria through a mechanism that utilizes the prevention of RNA synthesis. RNA is a critical component of transferring genetic material, and its inhibition prevents bacterial replication, in turn eliminating the potential for spreading the infection.
Although using mupirocin for acne and other conditions is sometimes very useful, its use is also accompanied with potentially adverse effects. Skin irritation and allergic reactions are both possible, but the most dangerous reaction typical of mupirocin use is bacteria resistance. Similar to the process of natural selection, bacteria treated with antibiotics over time can evolve in a manner that leaves resistant species. These resistant species may not be affected by antibiotics, leaving them able to spread beyond control.
A great deal of variation exists for the effectiveness of mupirocin for treating acne among those who have used it. The majority experience success, as this antibiotic is very good at killing acne-causing bacteria. This success is most often short-lived, however, due to the immediate onset of resistant strains. Additionally, the expenses related to mupirocin make it difficult to afford for more chronic use. The potential risks and benefits should be assessed by each person with the help of a healthcare professional.
Acne is a condition that plagues 9.4% of the world’s population. It’s painful and difficult to deal with but thankfully, there are several medications for it such as Mupirocin.
How long should you use it? What are the side effects? Is it okay for pregnant women? These are all valid questions to which this guide provides the answers.
How Long Can You Use Mupirocin?
You shouldn’t use Mupirocin for more than ten days at a time. You should start to see your acne clearing up throughout these ten days. Your acne may seem slightly clearer than before you started it, or you may see a more drastic difference.
You can only get Mupirocin with a prescription from a doctor. They’ll direct you on how to use the ointment and how long you need to use it.
Everyone reacts to medicine differently, but most doctors instruct their patients to use Mupirocin three times a day for ten days. When using it, you’ll only need to apply a thin layer at a time. This is the general rule for everyone over three months old.
What Are the Side Effects of Mupirocin?
While the most common side effects of taking Mupirocin include skin irritation or slight burning, there are other, more severe side effects that you need to be aware of before beginning the medication for acne.
Mupirocin is a topical acne treatment, but the side effects can be internal too. One of the most severe yet rare side effects of taking this medication is an intestinal condition caused by the bacteria C. difficile.
Since the ointment has antibacterial properties, it may eliminate the bacteria which naturally control the population of C. difficile. This bacterium can infect the large intestine and cause intestinal conditions, so you may experience cramping, diarrhea, stomach pain, and/or blood in your stool.
If you experience any of those symptoms, you need to speak with your doctor as soon as possible. You shouldn’t try to treat these symptoms with antidiarrheals or any opioid products because they often make the symptoms worse.
You should immediately talk to your doctor whether you experience any intestinal symptoms, burning, itching, or something else. They’ll be able to assess the situation and decide whether Mupirocin is still an appropriate treatment for your acne.
What Are Some Mupirocin Alternatives
Whether you’ve tried Mupirocin for acne or are simply interested in what other alternatives there are that are similar, you’re in luck. A few topical ointments are commonly used as alternatives to Mupirocin. The four most common alternatives to Mupirocin include:
- Duac
- Acanya
- Benyzamycin
- BenzaClin
Each one of these alternatives has benzoyl peroxide in them. This ingredient is used to help treat acne by helping inhibit bacterial growth.
What Else Does Mupirocin Treat?
While Mupirocin is a known acne treatment, it’s more commonly used to treat Impetigo. Impetigo is a highly contagious skin infection that mainly affects children and infants. It’s characterized by crusty yellow growths around the mouth or other parts of the body that spread quickly.
Other conditions that Mupirocin can help treat are mild skin inflammation, inflamed hair follicles, boils, and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus bacteria in one’s nose.
Can Pregnant Women Use Mupirocin?
Fortunately, no recent evidence suggests it’s unsafe for pregnant women to use for their acne.
Physicians deem it safe for women to use while they’re breastfeeding. Since it’s a topical treatment, less than 1% is absorbed, and it won’t cause issues for the breastfeeding infant.
Are Mupirocin and Neosporin the Same?
Mupirocin and Neosporin have similarities, but they’re not the same. Neosporin is an over-the-counter topical treatment, while Mupirocin requires a prescription from a doctor.
Other differences between the two include that Neosporin is used to treat mild infections or prevent them, while Mupriocin is designed to help with more severe bacterial infections. Unlike Mupirocin, Neosporin doesn’t kill the most common acne-causing bacteria. So, while you can put it on your face, it’s not going to help with acne.
Neosporin can help with open wounds like minor cuts and blisters, but Mupirocin isn’t something you should use on burns or any open wounds and is intended for acne and other skin infections.
Can You Use Mupirocin With Acne Face Wash?
Since you’ll be applying the ointment to your face, most people wonder whether they can continue to wash their face how they typically would while using Mupirocin for acne. You can still use your acne face wash with Mupirocin. Only apply Mupirocin after rinsing and drying off the face wash. Do not get the ointment on your eyes, mouth, vagina, or any open wounds.
There haven’t been any reports of any interactions, but that doesn’t mean that interactions don’t exist. If you notice any additional skin irritation or other symptoms, immediately stop using your face wash and Mupirocin together and contact your doctor.
