Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional in any sense of the word. Seek medical advice from somebody who is qualified to provide it. I am not that person. End disclaimer.
I feel a responsibility for posting this because at many times over the years, I've posted that if one gets a cut or scratch on the BI, they need to use a topical OTC antibiotic ASAP or risk developing a serious health condition. This was based on what we knew, and this is we've done. But the wife has apparently developed an antibiotic resistant skin infection, and times have changed.
In the last few weeks we've been told by several health practitioners (two doctors, at least one nurse, and many others) that the staph and strep (MRSA and flesh eating bacteria) on the BI are immune to OTC topical antibiotics, they are literally everywhere on the BI, and that using OTC antibiotics can actually make the problem worse.
The doctors recommended Rx Mupirocin (or other meds) so highly as to give generous refill allotments and stating that if one ever runs out, to call them for another refill before attempting an OTC solution for ANY type of cut or abrasion to prevent an infection. But if an infection occurs, other medications may be necessary to actually cure them.
I feel a responsibility for posting this because at many times over the years, I've posted that if one gets a cut or scratch on the BI, they need to use a topical OTC antibiotic ASAP or risk developing a serious health condition. This was based on what we knew, and this is we've done. But the wife has apparently developed an antibiotic resistant skin infection, and times have changed.
In the last few weeks we've been told by several health practitioners (two doctors, at least one nurse, and many others) that the staph and strep (MRSA and flesh eating bacteria) on the BI are immune to OTC topical antibiotics, they are literally everywhere on the BI, and that using OTC antibiotics can actually make the problem worse.
The doctors recommended Rx Mupirocin (or other meds) so highly as to give generous refill allotments and stating that if one ever runs out, to call them for another refill before attempting an OTC solution for ANY type of cut or abrasion to prevent an infection. But if an infection occurs, other medications may be necessary to actually cure them.