Abstract

Mupirocin (Bactroban - Beecham) is a new antibiotic marketed only for topical use on the skin. The manufacturer claims it is an ideal topical antibiotic because it has wide antibacterial activity and a low risk of sensitisation. Unlike for example fusidic acid, mupirocin is not used to treat systemic infections, so that the emergence of resistant organisms is less dangerous. It is intended for common skin infections, especially impetigo and staphylococcal folliculitis. Most of the data published about the drug come from reports of two sponsored symposia containing mainly preliminary communications.^1,2