Bactroban – uses, health risks, and side effects at NaturalPedia.com

Tuesday, August 14, 2018 by Ralph Flores

Bactroban (generic name: mupirocin) is a topical antibiotic used to treat skin infections – including impetigo or staph infections. It is available in two forms – cream and ointment, as well as a separate formulation used as a nasal ointment.

The medicine is only used on the skin and should be applied in small amounts and should not be applied in a large area.

Known health risks or side effects of Bactroban

Side effects for the topical dosage of Bactroban include:

Localized pain on the application site
A burning or stinging sensation

More severe conditions include the following.

The formation of crusts and blisters on the skin
Itching, irritation, and reddening
Canker sores and formation of white spots on the lips and mouth
The appearance of cracked, dry, and scaly skin
Skin that is painful, tender to the touch, and warm
Coughing
Difficulty swallowing
Dizziness and fever
Increased heartbeat and tightness of the chest
Hives and swelling on the face, throat, sex organs, and extremities
Puffy eyelids
Severe abdominal cramps
Extreme lethargy
Watery and sometimes bloody diarrhea.

On the other hand, the following side effects can be seen in the nasal application of Bactroban.

Bleeding from the nose
Rash

More severe conditions are similar to those of topical applications of the antibiotic.

List of organs that might be affected by Bactroban

Those with existing or who have had kidney problems are advised to consult with a healthcare professional before using Bactroban.

Food items or nutrients that have similar effects to Bactroban

Recommended food items for impetigo – the condition addressed by Bactroban – include:

Fruits and vegetables
Whole grains
Extra virgin olive oil
Omega-3 fatty acids (found in certain plants and fish)
Ginger
Turmeric
Organic Manuka honey

Taking astragalus or raw garlic can also help with the infection, as both contain natural antibiotic properties. If a person is under oral antibiotic therapy, take a probiotic supplement during and after treatment to improve gut microbiota.

To prevent the spread of the disease, apply tea tree or tamanu oil topically.

Treatment and management options for the side effects of Bactroban

To treat an itchy skin, which is one of the side effects of Bactroban, the following treatments are recommended.

Baking soda. Add a cup to a tub filled with cool water and soak for half an hour. Pat dry afterward. If the itching is localized, prepare a paste using three tablespoons of baking soda with a tablespoon of water. Apply to the area and leave on for 10 minutes.
Oatmeal. In particular, adding two cups of colloidal oatmeal to a tub of lukewarm water and soaking for at least 20 minutes can help relieve itching and reduce inflammation. Unprocessed oat flour or ground whole oats can also be used.
Cool water. Run cool water on the affected skin to relieve itchiness.
Lemon. Applying lemon juice releases citric and acetic acids which can address the infection. However, this should not be done on those with sensitive skin.
Apple cider vinegar. Dilute two to three cups of apple cider vinegar to lukewarm bath water. Soak in the solution for 15-30 minutes, then pat dry to unlock its antifungal and antibacterial properties. Use smaller doses in localized itching and apply to affected area.
Juniper berries and cloves. A home remedy made of juniper berries, cloves, and beeswax can reduce itching by numbing the nerves and reduce inflammation.