Brief Answer: Topical antibiotic Detailed Answer: Dear patient, Thanks for your question. Mupirocin is a topical antibiotic that is very effective against gram positive bacteria, including Staphylococcous (known popularly as Staph). She is a frail diabetic and because of that susceptible to skin colonization and infection, including MRSA. It is used chronically to prevent colonization/infection by these bacteria. particularly around the nose, since they tend to reside there. Hope that helps, wish you the best, Dr Brenes-Salazar MD Mayo Clinic MN Cardiology

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