What is the recommended treatment for mild impetigo?

Topical mupirocin is the recommended treatment for mild impetigo due to its effectiveness in targeting the common bacteria that cause this skin infection, particularly Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes. Mupirocin is a topical antibiotic that is specifically designed to penetrate the skin and eliminate these pathogens while having a minimal systemic absorption profile, making it suitable for treating localized infections.

For mild impetigo, mupirocin can be applied directly to the infected area, typically three times a day for a duration of about five to ten days, which aids in quick resolution of the infection. The use of topical therapy is preferred for mild cases to prevent the need for systemic treatment and to limit potential side effects associated with oral antibiotics.

In contrast, systemic antibiotics (like oral antibiotics) are typically reserved for more widespread or severe cases of impetigo or when there is a significant risk of complications. While topical clindamycin and topical bacitracin may have some efficacy against the bacteria causing impetigo, mupirocin is specifically formulated for this type of infection and is generally considered the gold standard in treatment options.