Which topical antibiotic is commonly used to treat skin infections?

Mupirocin is a highly effective topical antibiotic widely used for treating bacterial skin infections, particularly those caused by Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes. Its mechanism of action involves inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis by binding to bacterial isoleucyl-tRNA synthetase, which prevents the incorporation of isoleucine into proteins, ultimately leading to bacterial cell death.

Mupirocin is specifically indicated for conditions such as impetigo and certain cases of folliculitis, and it can also be used to eliminate nasal carriage of MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) in carriers. Its effectiveness, combined with the relatively low incidence of resistance development, makes mupirocin a favored choice among dermatology practitioners for topical treatments.

Other topical antibiotics, while useful, do not share the same level of specificity or efficacy for certain infections. For instance, bacitracin is commonly used but has a narrower spectrum and is typically more focused on gram-positive organisms. Neomycin, while effective, can induce allergic reactions in some patients and is often used in combination products rather than as a standalone treatment. Clindamycin is available topically and is effective against certain bacteria; however, its primary forms of use are