“Have you ever heard of the topical ointment mupirocin?” one myHSteam member asked. “The wound care clinic gave this to me, and it seems to keep the areas from becoming any worse.”

Mupirocin is a topical antibiotic that doctors often prescribe for bacterial skin infections. It comes as an ointment or a cream. Because it’s commonly used for skin problems, you might wonder if it could help with abscesses or lesions from hidradenitis suppurativa (HS).

If you need to treat HS and you’re thinking about using mupirocin, here’s what you should know to help you make the best choice for your skin.

Topical Antibiotics for Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Topical antibacterials are one common treatment for mild HS (stage 1 HS). Your healthcare provider may prescribe a topical antibiotic by itself. They may also ask you to use it with another HS treatment option. This can include medications that help your dead skin shed and peel, corticosteroids, or even minor surgeries.

Your dermatologist can tailor your treatment plan to your needs because one approach doesn’t work for everyone. Your treatment plan may include over-the-counter HS treatments, prescription medications like mupirocin, and other options.

Mupirocin as a Topical Antibiotic

Although you need a prescription for mupirocin, it’s a common medication. You may see it sold under names like Bactroban, Centany, or Centany AT, and it’s usually easy to find at most pharmacies. Your doctor will give you clear instructions on how to use it. In most cases, mupirocin works well. However, you should talk to your dermatologist about other options if:

• You are pregnant or breastfeeding
• You have been diagnosed with kidney disease
• A large area of your skin is damaged or burned
• You have intestinal or stomach problems
• You’ve had an allergic or unusual reaction to mupirocin in the past

You’ll need to watch for symptoms of an allergy if you’re using mupirocin. Serious symptoms of an allergic reaction include extreme itching, hives, or swelling in your mouth, face, tongue, or throat. In addition, if your skin symptoms seem to get worse (more burning, peeling, or crusting) or you have severe diarrhea or a fever, you should call your doctor. These can be side effects of mupirocin. These symptoms require immediate medical attention, unlike mild skin irritation or redness.

Is Mupirocin a Good Topical Antibiotic for Hidradenitis Suppurativa?

Although mupirocin is a common topical antibiotic, it’s not frequently prescribed for HS. It may be effective, but there seem to be other antibiotic creams and ointments that are more likely to work for more people when it comes to treating HS.

However, some members of myHSteam report positive experiences with mupirocin. “My left armpit seems to be doing really well. My dermatologist gave me mupirocin ointment. I have been using it daily, and it seems to be helping,” one said. Another shared, “I have used mupirocin for anything open, and I do like it!” Yet another added, “I switched to this topical ointment called mupirocin, and it’s so much better. It’s great on the skin.”

These reports show that mupirocin works for some people with HS. Your doctor can help you choose the right topical antibiotic for your needs. Mupirocin is often used to treat surface-level skin infections on HS lesions and may be an option for mild cases of HS with minimal open wounds.

Other Topical Antibiotics for Hidradenitis Suppurativa

There are a few topical antibiotics that doctors recommend for HS. These can’t be bought over the counter, however, so you’ll need to get a doctor’s prescription. Here’s what you should know about some common options.

Clindamycin

Clindamycin (Cleocin) is often the first choice for early-stage HS or superficial lesions, although its use is off-label — which means it’s not officially approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for HS. Most people tolerate it, and it usually works well, especially for treating bumps near the surface of the skin. It’s less effective for deeper symptoms of HS, like sinus tracts (tunnels).

If your doctor prescribes clindamycin, it may come as a liquid or a lotion. Follow the directions on the bottle. Most people apply it to the affected areas twice a day. Let it soak into your skin for the best results.

Dapsone

Some doctors prescribe dapsone (Aczone) for HS, although this is considered off-label. There’s not a lot of research on how well this antibiotic works, but some doctors recommend it. Dapsone may work better than clindamycin for moderate HS. In some cases, oral dapsone has helped people with moderate to severe HS.

Gentamicin

Gentamicin (Gentak, Garamycin) is a prescription antibiotic used on the skin to treat infections. It’s another medication sometimes used off-label to treat HS. Doctors may use gentamicin after surgery to help wounds heal and lower the chance of infection. However, gentamicin won’t stop HS from coming back in the same spot.

The Bottom Line

Mupirocin may not be the most common prescription for HS, but some people find that it helps with mild cases. Everyone’s experience with HS is different, and what works for one person may not work for another.

The best way to find out if mupirocin — or any other topical antibiotic — is right for you is to talk with your dermatologist. They can help build a treatment plan tailored to your skin’s needs. By following your plan and staying in touch with your care team, you can better manage your symptoms and reduce flare-ups.

Talk With Others Who Understand

On myHSteam, the social network for people with hidradenitis suppurativa and their loved ones, more than 46,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with hidradenitis suppurativa.

What kind of ointment do you use on HS? If you’ve used mupirocin, do you recommend it to others? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.