Mupirocin topical and Burning: What Users Say

• You...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 25, 2020

For Skin and Structure Infection "I do not like this antibiotic cream, mupirocin! It has been prescribed to me a few times (I’m prone to skin infections), and each time has only made my condition worse. The first time, it caused terrible burning and increased redness, and this past time, it caused my skin to peel along with more redness and itchiness than I had before. I know many people have a positive experience with it, but just know that you might experience negative side effects."

• Dan...
• December 11, 2018

For Skin and Structure Infection "I had these horrible bumps all over the sides of my nose (especially the cracks on the sides) and up across my bridge between eyebrows that would get bright red after a shower and peel some too! I looked stupid! Tired of this, I dug around in my med sac and found a lil tube of mupirocin ointment. So I smeared it generously all over my nose, eyebrows, and mouth. The next day, some of the bumps were gone, and the ones that weren't were shrinking! It's nearing the end of day 2, and the bumps are almost completely gone. It does burn if you use too much, but that just means it's working, so it's ok. Summary: Smear mupirocin liberally on the affected area, if it burns and itches, dial it back one click, and just try to stay right in that slot. Give it a day or two, and soon enough you'll be looking like a baby's butt."

• MSD...
• April 25, 2021

For Skin and Structure Infection "Prescribed for prophylactic use on surgical incision with skin graft (surgical removal of squamous cell carcinomas on lower legs), to keep graft moist. Dressing to be changed once or twice a day for 5-6 weeks. Second day began to feel burning at incisions. After third day, woke with widespread hives on trunk, groin, upper arms, and legs. Diminished with OTC oral antihistamine. Next morning woke with similar widespread hives. Reported this to MD who, nurse reported, didn't think I could have absorbed enough to cause systemic hives. Continued use caused swelling in ankles and feet, widespread weeping rash of an angry purple. I stopped using the ointment without medical approval, which was forthcoming at the two-week follow-up. I discovered subsequently that there is a direct statement that the ointment is not to be used to avoid bacterial infection on post-surgical lesions."

• Gir...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 18, 2018

For Nasal Carriage of Staphylococcus aureus "I have had repeated impetigo from a staph colonization in my nose for the last 4+ months. I was told I was prescribed the nasal version as well, but the pharmacist refused to give it to me, telling me to just use the topical ointment intranasally. It burns my skin, never mind my nose. I don't think I have any cilia left in my nose from the chemical burns. This is also not recommended on large areas of the body, but my entire body, including my scalp, cornea, and kidneys, are infected with staph. I have been trapped in my house, not trying to spread the infection, for over 4 months. I REALLY hope I can get appropriate treatment soon....."

• bun...
• May 17, 2020

For Impetigo "I'm 19 and was prescribed this for a bad case of impetigo around the corners of my mouth. I was told it would go away after 3-4 days if I used this ointment, but I immediately noticed extreme, and I mean EXTREME itching and burning that wasn't there before. I nearly cried from the itching. I also had a ton of redness and experienced yellowish-brown lesions that were intensely dry and peeling constantly. I thought it was just the impetigo getting worse, but it was actually the ointment that made it worse. This stuff completely RUINED my skin, and even after stopping the use of this, my skin is still very discolored and dry. I should mention that this did get rid of the impetigo, it just gave me new problems that I now have to deal with on my own."

• eee...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 16, 2021

For Impetigo "That only made it worse - kept it wet, which made it ooze. Dreadful! The only thing that worked for me is spraying alcohol directly on it! Every time I felt a little itchy, I still spray alcohol - it burns like fire! But it dried it out and made it go away with doxycycline along with the alcohol spray! I would and had gotten it off and on often. And it was bad right below my nose or on my chin! I would just sit at the computer searching for different ways to make it go away."

• Anonymous
• July 20, 2011

Mupirocin topical for Skin and Structure Infection "This cream is causing stinging and burning."

• psf...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 19, 2017

For Skin and Structure Infection "I had cellulitis near my ankle. Upon application of this drug, I experienced severe burning, a bumpy rash on both legs and arms. Resulted in nerve damage near my ankle/site of cellulitis. Beware!"