Mupirocin topical and Rash: What Users Say

• 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."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 13, 2023

For Skin and Structure Infection "It worked but... I hope I never have to use this medicine again. I was prescribed mupirocin by my doctor for a bad rash on my face. Was told to apply twice a day for 10 days. Right away my rash started improving without any side effects. All seemed good but on about day 9 or 10 I broke out in hives on my neck and chest and experienced intense itching. Itching similar to poison ivy. It was miserable and kept me up at night. I had to resort to steroid cream that I was desperately trying to avoid. The rash on my face did completely heal and I of course stopped using the mupirocin. I'm on day 4 of dealing with the itch in my chest and it has gotten a little better so I am hopeful it will subside soon. This cream will work but be aware of the side effects."

• Nge...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 4, 2019

Bactroban (mupirocin) for Skin and Structure Infection "Gave me hives and blisters on the skin and itchy."

• 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!"