This paper studied whether mupirocin, a topical antibiotic, could help treat atopic dermatitis by reducing Staphylococcus aureus bacteria on the skin. The study looked at both the bacteria levels and clinical symptoms before and after treatment.
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Staphylococcal colonization in atopic dermatitis and the effect of topical mupirocin therapy
Staphylococcal colonization in atopic dermatitis and the effect of topical mupirocin therapy
R Lever, K Hadley, D Downey, R Mackie
Clinical Trial
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49 participants
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1988
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26 citations
Key insights related to Mupirocin from this study:
- While mupirocin can effectively reduce bacteria (particularly Staphylococcus aureus) on the skin during treatment, bacteria levels may return to normal after stopping treatment. However, this doesn't necessarily mean symptoms will get worse.
- Short-term use of mupirocin appears to be safe, with minimal side effects. The most common side effects reported were mild and included diarrhea and nausea.
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What is this paper about?
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How did the authors study this?
The researchers conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study. They measured bacteria levels on patients' skin before treatment, after 2 weeks of either mupirocin or placebo treatment, and during a 4-week follow-up period.
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What populations did the authors study?
The study included 49 patients with atopic dermatitis (45 completed the study). Almost all patients had heavy colonization of Staphylococcus aureus on their skin, even without visible infection.
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What conclusions can we draw?
The authors concluded that mupirocin effectively reduces both Staphylococcus aureus colonization and clinical symptoms in atopic dermatitis. The treatment was safe with no serious side effects. Even though bacteria returned after treatment stopped, patients' symptoms didn't get worse during the study period.
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