Dermoban is an antibacterial ointment containing mupirocin 2%. It is applied to the skin for bacterial infections — most commonly impetigo, infected cuts and grazes, and infected eczema. It treats bacteria only, so it does nothing for fungal rashes, cold sores or ordinary irritation.
What is Dermoban?
Dermoban contains mupirocin 20 mg/g — that is, 2% — and is Schedule 2 in South Africa, available from a pharmacist.
The same ingredient is sold under other South African names, including Nuban and Bactroban. Being dispensed one rather than another is ordinary generic substitution.
Mupirocin is a topical antibiotic, and it is unusual in a way that matters clinically. It blocks 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. The practical consequence is that bacteria resistant to other antibiotics generally remain susceptible to mupirocin, with little cross-resistance. This is why it stays effective against organisms including MRSA — and why it is worth preserving.
It is particularly active against the bacteria behind most skin infections — Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes.
Very little is absorbed into the body when applied to skin, which is why it is well tolerated and avoids the whole-body effects of oral antibiotics.
Its continued usefulness depends on not overusing it. Resistance has emerged where mupirocin has been used casually or for long periods, and it remains one of the few reliable options for MRSA decolonisation. That is the main reason courses are kept short and it is not a general-purpose cream for any rash.
What is Dermoban commonly used for?
- Impetigo, a contagious bacterial infection producing golden-crusted sores, most common in children. A primary use, and topical treatment often suffices 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 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 and chickenpox.
- 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 drives resistance without benefit.
How Dermoban fits into this medicine category
| Group | Examples | Used for |
|---|---|---|
| Topical antibiotics | Mupirocin (Dermoban), fusidic acid | Bacterial skin infections |
| Topical antifungals | Clotrimazole, miconazole | Ringworm, thrush, athlete’s foot |
| Topical corticosteroids | Hydrocortisone, betamethasone | Inflammation — eczema, dermatitis |
| Combination steroid + antibiotic | Fucibet | Inflamed and infected skin |
| Antiseptics | Chlorhexidine, povidone-iodine | Cleaning wounds, preventing infection |
| Oral antibiotics | Cefalexin, flucloxacillin | Larger or spreading 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 Dermoban
Use it for a short course — typically up to 7 to 10 days. Prolonged or repeated use encourages resistance.
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 considerably — 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 nasal use.
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding. Avoid applying it to the breast before feeding.
- Are treating a baby or young child.
- 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 at the application site, 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 worsening:
- 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 warrant a lower threshold for medical review.
Spreading skin infection (cellulitis) needs oral antibiotics, and sometimes urgent care. Continuing to apply a cream while 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 Dermoban ointment used for? Bacterial skin infections — impetigo, infected cuts and grazes, folliculitis, and infected eczema. It contains mupirocin 2%.
Is Dermoban 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.
Is it the same as Nuban? The active ingredient is the same — mupirocin 2%. The manufacturer differs.
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.
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.