Nuban is an antibacterial ointment containing mupirocin 2%. It is applied to the skin to treat bacterial skin infections — most commonly impetigo, infected cuts and grazes, and infected eczema. It works only on bacteria, so it does nothing for fungal rashes, viral sores or ordinary irritation.
What is Nuban?
Nuban contains mupirocin 20 mg/g — that is, 2% — and is Schedule 2 in South Africa, available from a pharmacist.
Mupirocin is a topical antibiotic, and it is unusual in a way that matters. It works by blocking an enzyme called isoleucyl-tRNA synthetase, which bacteria need to assemble proteins. Without it, protein production stops and the bacterium dies.
No other antibiotic in common use works this way. That has a practical consequence: bacteria resistant to other antibiotics are generally still susceptible to mupirocin, and there is little cross-resistance. It is why mupirocin remains effective against organisms including MRSA.
It is particularly active against the bacteria that cause most skin infections — Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes — which is exactly what a skin antibiotic needs to cover.
Because it is applied to the skin rather than swallowed, very little enters the body. That makes it well tolerated and avoids the whole-body effects of oral antibiotics.
Mupirocin’s usefulness depends on not overusing it. Resistance has emerged where it has been used casually or for long periods, and preserving it matters — it is one of the few reliable options for MRSA decolonisation. This is the main reason courses are kept short and it is not a general-purpose cream.
What is Nuban commonly used for?
- Impetigo, a contagious bacterial skin infection producing golden-crusted sores, most common in children. A primary use, and topical treatment is often enough for limited areas.
- Infected cuts, grazes and small wounds.
- Folliculitis, infected hair follicles.
- Infected eczema or dermatitis, where bacteria have colonised broken skin — usually alongside treatment for the eczema itself.
- Small boils and infected insect bites.
- **Clearing Staphylococcus aureus from the nose, including MRSA, using a nasal formulation before surgery or in carriers. Check whether your product is the skin or the nasal preparation** — they are not interchangeable.
It treats bacterial infection only. It will not help:
- Fungal infections such as ringworm, athlete’s foot or thrush.
- Viral sores, including cold sores.
- Eczema or dermatitis itself, which needs a steroid and emollients.
- Acne, or ordinary irritation.
Using an antibiotic ointment on a rash that is not bacterial is a common mistake — it delays proper treatment and encourages resistance.
How Nuban fits into this medicine category
| Group | Examples | Used for |
|---|---|---|
| Topical antibiotics | Mupirocin (Nuban), fusidic acid | Bacterial skin infections |
| Topical antifungals | Clotrimazole, miconazole | Ringworm, thrush, athlete’s foot |
| Topical corticosteroids | Betamethasone, hydrocortisone | Inflammation — eczema, dermatitis |
| Antiseptics | Chlorhexidine, povidone-iodine | Cleaning wounds, preventing infection |
| Emollients | Aqueous cream, ointments | Moisturise; foundation of eczema care |
| Oral antibiotics | Cefalexin, flucloxacillin | Larger or spreading skin infections |
Extensive or spreading infection needs an oral antibiotic, not a cream — topical treatment cannot reach deeply enough. See the skin and wound care medicines hub.
What to check before using Nuban
Use it for a short course — typically up to 7 to 10 days. Prolonged or repeated use encourages resistance and is the main reason mupirocin loses effectiveness.
Apply a thin layer to the affected area, usually two to three times daily. More does not work better.
Wash your hands before and after applying, unless treating your hands. With impetigo this matters a great deal — it is highly contagious, spreading through direct contact and shared towels, flannels and bedding. Keep towels separate, and children are usually kept off school until crusts have healed or after 48 hours of treatment.
Speak to a pharmacist or doctor first if you:
- Are unsure whether the rash is bacterial. A fungal or viral rash will not respond, and treating it wrongly delays recovery.
- Have large areas of infection, or infection that is spreading.
- Have kidney disease and are using it on extensive or broken skin — the ointment base contains polyethylene glycol, which can be absorbed through damaged skin.
- Have burns or large open wounds, where absorption increases.
- Are using it near the eyes, or in the nose — avoid the eyes entirely, and use the correct formulation for the nose.
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding. Avoid applying it to the breast before feeding.
- Are treating a child, particularly a baby.
- Have previously reacted to mupirocin.
Do not cover with an airtight dressing unless advised, and do not share the tube — a used tube can transfer infection between people.
Possible cautions and when to ask a pharmacist or doctor
Common effects are local stinging, burning, itching or dryness where it is applied. These are usually mild.
Stop and seek advice if you develop:
- Increasing redness, swelling, itching or a rash at the site — this may be a reaction to the ointment rather than the infection worsening.
- Swelling of the face, lips or tongue, or difficulty breathing.
- Blistering or peeling skin.
Seek medical attention promptly if the infection is not settling or is getting worse:
- Redness spreading outward, particularly with a defined advancing edge.
- Increasing pain, swelling or warmth.
- Red streaks running from the area.
- Fever, chills or feeling generally unwell.
- Pus, or a rapidly enlarging area.
- No improvement after 3 to 5 days of treatment.
- Infection near the eye, on the face, or over a joint.
- Any skin infection if you have diabetes or a weakened immune system, or if it is on the foot — these need a lower threshold for medical review.
Spreading skin infection (cellulitis) needs oral antibiotics, and sometimes urgent care. A cream will not be enough, and continuing to apply one while the redness advances loses valuable time.
If impetigo keeps returning, mention it — recurrent infection sometimes indicates nasal carriage of Staphylococcus aureus, which can be treated.
Related medicine guides
Frequently asked questions
What is Nuban ointment used for? Bacterial skin infections — impetigo, infected cuts and grazes, folliculitis, and infected eczema. It contains mupirocin 2%.
Is Nuban an antibiotic? Yes, a topical antibiotic applied to the skin rather than swallowed.
Can I use it on a fungal rash? No. Mupirocin works only on bacteria. Ringworm, athlete’s foot and thrush need an antifungal.
Can I use it on eczema? Only where the eczema has become infected, and usually alongside treatment for the eczema itself. It does not treat eczema.
How long can I use it? Usually up to 7 to 10 days. Prolonged or repeated use encourages resistance.
Can I use it on a cold sore? No. Cold sores are viral and do not respond to antibiotics.
Is impetigo contagious? Very. Wash hands after applying, keep towels and flannels separate, and follow advice about school or work.
When should I see a doctor instead? If redness is spreading, there are red streaks, you have fever, or there is no improvement after 3 to 5 days — spreading infection needs oral antibiotics.