Abstract

Last year, we concluded that topical fusidic acid should be first-line treatment for impetigo.1 Since then, ▼retapamulin ointment (Altargo – GlaxoSmithKline), a new antibacterial, has been licensed in the European Union as a short-term treatment for impetigo and infected small lacerations, abrasions or sutured wounds in people aged 9 months or above.2 Advertisements claim that the product “treats localised impetigo in just 5 days”;3 by comparison, the British National Formulary (BNF) advises a 7-day course of fusidic acid.4 Here we consider the place of retapamulin in impetigo and its other licensed indications.