Mupirocin is a prescription antibiotic medication that comes in either a cream or an ointment. It’s designed to treat certain skin infections by attacking bacteria, either killing it or stopping it from growing.
Toenail fungus is a very common condition, and lots of people are looking for ways to get rid of it. So, naturally, if you have a toenail fungus and you also have some mupirocin in your medicine cabinet, you might wonder: will mupirocin treat toenail fungus?
The short answer is no. Mupirocin is designed to fight bacterial infections, and toenail fungus is a fungal infection. These are two very different things that require different medications.
This article will explain why mupirocin won’t work on your toenail fungus, and it will present you with some treatments that do have a chance of clearing up your fungal infection.
What is mupirocin?
Mupirocin is a topical antibiotic, which means it’s a germ-killing medication that you put directly on your skin.
What is mupirocin used for?
Doctors prescribe mupirocin for bacterial skin infections, such as impetigo (a common skin infection, especially among children) and skin injuries that have become infected.
You may know mupirocin by the brand names Bactroban and Centany.
How does mupirocin work?
Mupirocin stops the growth of bacteria by interfering with their ability to produce proteins. Bacteria need proteins to live, grow, and multiply. Mupirocin targets the specific bacterial enzymes that bacteria need to make protein.
Because of the way it works, mupirocin is effective against many common types of bacteria, especially Staphylococcus aureus (including methicillin-resistant S. aureus, or MRSA) and Streptococcus pyogenes.
Toenail Fungus: A Different Kind of Infection
Mupirocin is a great topical antibiotic, but it’s not the right choice for every skin condition. Here’s why it won’t work on toenail fungus.
What is Toenail Fungus?
Toenail fungus, or onychomycosis, is a fungal infection that affects the nails. If you have it, your toenails may become:
- Thickened
- Discolored (often yellow or brown)
- Brittle
Why Mupirocin Doesn’t Work on Toenail Fungus
Mupirocin is an antibacterial medication, not an antifungal. This is a key difference. Fungi and bacteria are different organisms, and each requires its own treatment. Mupirocin is designed to target bacterial processes, not fungal ones. So, it won’t be effective against toenail fungus.
Common Fungal Culprits
Dermatophytes are the most common cause of toenail fungus. Yeasts and molds can also cause these infections.
To get rid of toenail fungus, you need an antifungal medication. Some are available over the counter, and others require a prescription from your healthcare provider.
How to get rid of toenail fungus
If you’re dealing with toenail fungus, you’re probably looking for something that works, perhaps even researching options like Emuaid. Mupirocin isn’t it, but here are some options that are more likely to help.
Topical antifungal medications
You can find various creams and polishes that fight fungus, such as terbinafine, ciclopirox, efinaconazole, or even Tolcylen. The downside is that these topical treatments may not be strong enough to knock out a severe infection.
Oral antifungal medications
For widespread infections, oral medications like terbinafine and itraconazole often work better. However, they can have side effects, and you’ll need to have your liver function checked regularly while you’re taking them.
Laser therapy
Laser therapy is another option. It targets the fungus with light, destroying it without damaging the surrounding tissue. It’s an option to consider, but it may not be covered by insurance.
Nail avulsion
In some cases, your doctor might recommend removing the infected nail, either surgically or with chemicals. This is often done along with a topical treatment to help prevent the fungus from coming back.
See a professional
It’s important to get a proper diagnosis and treatment plan from a podiatrist or dermatologist. Trying to treat toenail fungus on your own can lead to ineffective treatment and a longer infection. A doctor can figure out exactly what’s going on and recommend the best course of action for your specific situation.
When mupirocin might be relevant (and when it’s not)
Mupirocin is not an antifungal medication. It is an antibiotic.
Secondary bacterial infections
Sometimes, a toenail with a fungal infection can also develop a bacterial infection. In that specific case, a doctor might prescribe mupirocin to treat the bacterial infection, not the fungus.
It’s important to know the difference between fungal and bacterial infections
Mupirocin should only be used if a healthcare professional has confirmed that you have a bacterial infection. Antibiotics should be used carefully and only when necessary. Inappropriate antibiotic use can lead to antibiotic resistance.
Mupirocin precautions and side effects
If you know that you’re allergic to mupirocin or any of its ingredients, don’t use it.
Common side effects of mupirocin use include:
- headache
- nausea
- rash
- reactions at the application site
Serious side effects of mupirocin use require immediate medical attention. These include:
- allergic reactions
- diarrhea
- severe skin reactions
How to use mupirocin safely and effectively (when appropriate)
Mupirocin is a prescription medicine, so it’s important to use it safely and effectively. Here are some guidelines:
Follow your doctor’s instructions
Use exactly the right dose for the length of time your doctor recommends.
Never share your mupirocin with another person, even if they have the same symptoms. It may not be the right medicine for their condition.
Apply it properly
Wash your hands well before you apply mupirocin to the affected area. Then, wash your hands again after you’ve applied the medicine.
Use only a thin layer of mupirocin on the affected area.
Take care to avoid getting mupirocin in your eyes, nose, or mouth. It can also irritate the vagina.
Store and handle it carefully
Keep mupirocin at room temperature, somewhere between 68 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit.
Be sure to keep mupirocin out of the reach of children.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best antibiotic for a toenail infection?
That’s tricky! Toenail infections are usually fungal, not bacterial, so antibiotics like mupirocin aren’t typically the right approach. Oral antifungal medications are often prescribed for stubborn cases, but it’s best to consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
What is mupirocin 2% ointment used for?
Mupirocin 2% ointment is primarily used to treat bacterial skin infections, such as impetigo or infected hair follicles. It works by stopping the growth of certain bacteria on the skin’s surface.
What bacteria does mupirocin ointment cover?
Mupirocin ointment is effective against a range of bacteria, particularly Staphylococcus aureus (including some MRSA strains) and Streptococcus pyogenes. It’s a good choice for treating infections caused by these common skin bacteria.
Where should you not use mupirocin?
Avoid using mupirocin in your eyes, inside your nose (unless specifically directed by a doctor), or on large areas of broken skin. It’s for external use only, and using it in these areas could cause irritation or other complications.
Will mupirocin cure athlete’s foot?
Nope, mupirocin won’t cure athlete’s foot. Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection, and mupirocin is an antibiotic that targets bacteria. For athlete’s foot and fungus nails, you’ll need an antifungal. You’ll need an antifungal cream or medication to effectively treat athlete’s foot.
Conclusion
Mupirocin won’t help with toenail fungus. Mupirocin is an antibacterial medication, and toenail fungus is, well, a fungus. Mupirocin is designed to kill bacteria, not fungi.
If you’re dealing with toenail fungus, there are a number of treatments that might help. Some of the most common are topical and oral antifungal medications, laser therapy, and nail removal. Before you start any of these treatments, you should talk with a healthcare provider to make sure you get the right diagnosis and treatment plan.
It’s important to use medications properly and under medical supervision. While mupirocin won’t treat toenail fungus directly, it could play a role if you develop a secondary bacterial infection. But you should only use mupirocin for that if a doctor tells you to.
If you have any health concerns, always talk with a professional healthcare provider.