This review found limited high- quality evidence to inform the treatment of impetigo .
BACKGROUND Impetigo is a common clinical problem seen in general practice .
Uncertainty exists as to the most effective treatment , or indeed if treatment is necessary .
AIM To determine the most effective treatment for impetigo in a systemically well patient .
Topical 2% mupirocin versus 2% fusidic acid ointment in the treatment of primary and secondary skin infections.
The efficacy and side effects of topical mupirocin ( Bactroban ) and fusidic acid ( Fucidin ) ointment were compared in a double-blind , r and omized trial in 70 patients who came to the Dermatologic Clinic of L'Enfant Jésus Hospital with primary or secondary ( or both ) skin infections . Thirty-five patients were treated with mupirocin  and 35 patients were treated with fusidic acid three times a day for seven days . Clinical and bacteriologic assessment s were conducted before and after treatment . The efficacy of mupirocin , in terms of resolution and improvement of clinical signs and symptoms of infection , as well as of the elimination of infecting organisms , was similar to that of fusidic acid . Of 34 patients ( 1 could not be evaluated ) treated with mupirocin , a clinical cure was achieved in 18 , and significant improvement was demonstrated in 15 . Similarly , of 35 patients treated with fusidic acid , a clinical cure was achieved in 18 and improvement occurred in 15 . Bacteriologic cure rates were 97 % ( 30 of 31 patients evaluated ) in the mupirocin-treated group , compared with 87 % ( 27 of 31 patients evaluated ) in the fusidic acid-treated group . No side effects were observed in either treatment group . Because topical 2 % mupirocin has little or no potential for irritation , systemic side effects , or cross-resistance with other antibiotics , its efficacy is likely to make this new compound a useful agent for the treatment of superficial skin infections
This review found limited high- quality evidence to inform the treatment of impetigo .
BACKGROUND Impetigo is a common clinical problem seen in general practice .
Uncertainty exists as to the most effective treatment , or indeed if treatment is necessary .
AIM To determine the most effective treatment for impetigo in a systemically well patient .