Key takeaways
Silver sulfadiazine (SSD) and mupirocin are both topical antibiotics, but they are used for different types of skin infections. Silver sulfadiazine (SSD), available under brands like Silvadene and Thermazene, is primarily used to treat or prevent infections in second- and third-degree burns. It works by damaging the protective coverings of bacteria. On the other hand, mupirocin, known by the brand name Bactroban, is used to treat small areas of bacterial skin infections such as impetigo or Staph infections. Mupirocin works by blocking bacteria from making certain proteins they need to survive. SSD is typically applied once or twice a day, while mupirocin needs to be applied two to three times a day for up to 10 days. SSD is not recommended for pregnant women close to their due dates or for people with severe kidney or liver issues, whereas mupirocin should be used cautiously in people with kidney problems when using the ointment form. Both medications are available by prescription only and can cause side effects like skin irritation and allergic reactions.
