Bactroban Ointment 5g vs Alternatives: What Works Best for Skin Infections

When a small cut turns red, swollen, and starts oozing, you don’t need a doctor to tell you it’s infected. That’s where Bactroban Ointment 5g comes in - a trusted name in treating bacterial skin infections. But what if it’s out of stock? Too expensive? Or maybe your doctor suggests something else? You’re not alone. Many people wonder: are there real alternatives to Bactroban, and do they work just as well?

What is Bactroban Ointment 5g?

Bactroban Ointment 5g is a topical antibiotic containing mupirocin, a potent antibacterial agent that targets Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes - the two most common bacteria behind impetigo, infected cuts, and nasal carriage of MRSA. It’s applied directly to the skin, usually three times a day for up to 10 days. The 5g tube is the standard size prescribed for small, localized infections.

Unlike oral antibiotics, Bactroban works right where the infection is. That means fewer side effects like stomach upset or yeast infections. It’s also one of the few topical treatments that can clear MRSA from the skin - something many over-the-counter creams can’t do.

But Bactroban isn’t perfect. It’s prescription-only in the UK, costs around £10-£15 per tube, and some people report a mild burning sensation when applying it. That’s why many start looking at other options.

Why look for alternatives?

People switch from Bactroban for several reasons:

• It’s not available without a prescription
• Price adds up if you need it often
• Some infections don’t respond after a few days
• Side effects like itching or redness
• Supply issues - pharmacies sometimes run out

It’s not about replacing Bactroban blindly. It’s about finding the right tool for the job. Some alternatives work better for certain infections. Others are cheaper or easier to get. Let’s break them down.

Alternative 1: Fucidin (Fusidic Acid) 2% Cream

Fucidin is a topical antibiotic with fusidic acid as its active ingredient. It’s widely available in the UK, often prescribed for similar infections as Bactroban - impetigo, infected eczema, and minor wounds.

Here’s how it stacks up:

Fucidin is often the first alternative doctors suggest. It’s slightly cheaper and works well for common skin infections. But here’s the catch: resistance to fusidic acid is growing. If you’ve used it before and it didn’t work, it might not now. Also, it doesn’t kill MRSA as reliably as mupirocin.

Alternative 2: Neosporin (Bacitracin + Polymyxin B)

Neosporin is a popular over-the-counter ointment in the US, but it’s not available in the UK. The closest equivalent here is Bacitracin Ointment, which you can sometimes find in pharmacies or order online from EU suppliers.

It contains two antibiotics: bacitracin and polymyxin B. Together, they cover a broad range of bacteria. But they’re weaker than mupirocin. They’re fine for minor scrapes or preventing infection in clean cuts - not for established infections.

Here’s the problem: Neosporin-type products don’t work against MRSA. If your infection is stubborn, red, or spreading, don’t waste time with this. It’s a band-aid solution, not a cure.

Also, some people develop allergic reactions to neomycin (a common ingredient in US versions). The UK versions usually skip it, but always check the label.

Alternative 3: Silver Sulfadiazine Cream

Silver sulfadiazine is a topical antimicrobial used mostly for burns and larger wounds. It’s not a direct substitute for Bactroban, but it’s worth mentioning because some GPs prescribe it for infected ulcers or deep cuts.

It kills bacteria by releasing silver ions. It’s effective against a wide range of germs, including some resistant strains. But it’s messy. It stains clothes and skin. It also needs frequent reapplication - up to twice a day. And it’s not approved for small, superficial infections like impetigo.

Use it only if your doctor recommends it for a larger wound. For a tiny infected spot on your cheek? Skip it.

Alternative 4: Tea Tree Oil and Natural Remedies

Online, you’ll find endless posts claiming tea tree oil, honey, or garlic can replace antibiotics. Some studies show tea tree oil has antibacterial properties - but not enough to reliably treat an active infection.

A 2022 trial in the British Journal of Dermatology tested tea tree oil on mild impetigo. Results: it reduced symptoms in 60% of cases, but only 35% fully cleared after 7 days. Bactroban cleared 92% in the same timeframe.

Natural remedies might help with prevention or very early signs - like a tiny red bump that hasn’t turned into pus yet. But if you’ve got a weeping sore, don’t gamble. Delaying proper treatment can turn a small infection into a serious one.

When to stick with Bactroban

Bactroban remains the gold standard for:

• Confirmed or suspected MRSA infections
• Impetigo that’s spreading or not improving
• Nasal decolonization (used inside the nostrils to prevent reinfection)
• Patients with recurrent skin infections

It’s the most targeted, most reliable option for these cases. If your infection responds quickly, it’s likely mupirocin doing the work.

Doctors often combine it with antiseptic washes like chlorhexidine to prevent reinfection. That’s a key point - treating the infection isn’t enough. You need to stop it from coming back.

What to do if Bactroban doesn’t work

If you’ve used Bactroban for 5-7 days and the infection is worse or unchanged, stop using it. Don’t keep applying more. This could mean:

• The infection is fungal (like ringworm), not bacterial
• It’s caused by a resistant strain
• You need oral antibiotics

See your GP. They might take a swab to identify the exact bacteria. Based on that, they could switch you to an oral antibiotic like flucloxacillin or clindamycin.

Never self-prescribe stronger antibiotics. Misuse leads to resistance - and that’s how superbugs spread.

How to prevent future infections

Even the best antibiotic won’t help if you keep getting infected. Here’s what works:

• Wash hands regularly - especially after touching infected skin
• Don’t share towels, razors, or clothing
• Keep cuts clean and covered until healed
• Use antiseptic washes like Hibiscrub for recurrent cases
• Check for nasal carriage - if you keep getting staph infections, ask your doctor about mupirocin nasal ointment

Most people don’t realize that bacteria can live harmlessly in the nose. That’s often the source of recurring skin infections. Treating the skin alone isn’t enough.

Final verdict: Which alternative is best?

There’s no single best alternative. The right choice depends on your infection type, cost, and access.

• Best overall alternative: Fucidin - if your infection is mild to moderate and you can’t get Bactroban
• Best for prevention: Chlorhexidine washes - use them daily if you’re prone to infections
• Best for minor cuts: Simple antiseptic cream - no antibiotics needed
• Best for MRSA: Bactroban - no substitute works as reliably
• Avoid: Tea tree oil, honey, or garlic for active infections

Remember: antibiotics are powerful tools, but they’re not magic. They work best when used correctly, for the right bug, and for the right amount of time.

Next steps if you’re dealing with a skin infection

If you’ve got a red, painful, oozing patch on your skin:

1. Don’t pick or scratch it - that spreads bacteria
2. Wash the area gently with soap and water
3. Apply a clean, dry dressing
4. Book a GP appointment - don’t wait for it to get worse
5. If prescribed Bactroban, use it exactly as directed, even if it looks better after 2 days

Most skin infections clear up quickly with the right treatment. But skipping steps or using the wrong product can turn a simple problem into a long-term one. Trust the science - not the internet hype.