RCHT 755b© RCHT Design & Publications 2004

Reviewed 05/2020 V6 Review due 05/2023

MRSA suppressiontreatmentPack B

If you would like this leaflet in large print, braille, audio version or in another language, please contact the General Office on 01872 252690

As you are aware, you have previously had a positive swab for MRSA. You willneed treatment to suppress (reduce) the amount of MRSA on your skin. This isespecially important if you need an operation or other hospital treatment.

You will receive the MRSA suppression treatment from your GP or thepharmacy at Royal Cornwall Hospital. This leaflet explains how to use theproducts and aims to answer any questions you may have.

What is MRSA?

MRSA stands for Meticillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus.•Staphylococcus aureus (SA) is a family of common bacteria which maycause skin disease. Most strains are easily treated with antibiotics.However, MRSA is a strain which has become resistant to many of theantibiotics that are used to treat SA infection.

MRSA can live harmlessly on your skin – this is known as ‘colonisation’.•However, it can cause infection if it gets into your bloodstream throughbroken skin, wounds or medical devices.

MRSA does not usually harm healthy people – including pregnant •women, children or babies. However it can be serious or even fatal for some patients.

Therefore, we may give you a product to suppress the amount of MRSA on•your skin.

What does suppression treatment involve?The treatment involves washing with a special liquid scrub and using a nasal ointment.

How long does it take?This treatment lasts for 5 days. Try not to forget any of the steps. If you doforget, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Body washing

Use the chlorhexidine gluconate 4% scrub (Hibiscrub or Hydrex Surgical•Scrub) instead of soap to wash your body for 5 days. Apply it directly towet skin when in the shower or bath. Do NOT dilute the chlorhexidine scrubby putting it into a bowl of water.

Hair washing

Use the chlorhexidine scrub to wash your hair twice in the 5 day•treatment period (on day one and four).

Following bathing or showering, put on clean clothes. Change your bed clothesand bedding daily and use a fresh towel each time you bath or shower.

Nasal ointment

Apply mupiricin (Bactroban nasal ointment) to your nostrils three times a•day for 5 days.

Use a cotton bud or the tip of your finger to put a pea sized amount of•ointment into each nostril. Then pinch your nose together to make sure the ointment is evenly distributed. You should be able to taste the mupiricinat the back of your throat. Wash your hands with chlorhexidine scrub afterwards.

You may also be asked to apply mupiricin to any skin lesions (injuries) you•have. Apply this to the affected area three times a day for 5 days.

Are there any side effects?

Chlorhexidine scrub•There are no real side effects, although it may cause occasional sensitivity.If this happens, see your doctor or pharmacist for advice. Avoid contact with eyes.

If you are allergic to Chlorhexidine please inform your doctor who will•provide an alternative solution.

Mupiricin ointment•This may cause a local burning sensation, which is normal. If any other sideeffects occur, seek advice from your doctor or pharmacist.

Advice for healthcare workers with MRSA•If your MRSA screen is positive it is advisable to inform your occupationalhealth advisor or manager.