Should i use mupriocin to treat a superficial mrsa infection on the underarm? should i use mupriocin oinment under a bandaid or get a perscription for an oral antibiotic? i noticed it two days ago but it is not yet to point that it needs drained. will mup

First : First of all, not all skin infections are staphlococcal, not all staphlococcal infections are mrsa. Mrsa is short for methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus, a potentially dangerous type of staphlococcus bacteria that is resistant to certain antibiotics and may cause skin and other infections. As with all regular staphlococal infections, recognizing the signs and receiving treatment for skin infections in the early stages reduces the chances of the infection becoming severe. Staph infections of the skin appear as a bump or infected area and may also be red, swollen, painful, warm to the touch. If there is evidence of liquid underneath, or a head, it may be full of pus and will need to be drained. If accompanied by a fever or red streaks around the skin, this may be evidence of spread. Mupirocin is used as a topical treatment for localized bacterial skin infections, including treatment of mrsa. But with all "superficial" infections, except for minor redness, pain or light drainage, if any of the other symptoms listed above are found, you should see your physician for consideration for a systemic, either oral or injection antibiotic.

You may.: Mupirocin is used to treat active MRSA infections and to treat the nasal area of carriers. Not all skin infections are mrsa. Some are just skin bacteria and don't need anything. Cover open sores, ulcers or draining blisters. Be on the lookout for swelling, redness and pain. These symptoms need to be evaluated.