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Home > About Newcastle Hospitals > Information leaflets and helpful resources > Treatment of MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus)

Treatment of MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus)

This leaflet describes how and when you should take your treatment and includes other suggestions on how you can help to clear the MRSA. It is important to use the treatment even if you find the taste unpleasant.

Many germs live harmlessly on the skin and most surgical wounds heal without any problems. However, a small number can become infected when germs enter through the operation site.

You have had a previous positive result for MRSA, to help reduce the risk of infection at the time of your surgery you have been prescribed a 7-day course of treatment to reduce the risk around surgery.

Start 3 days before your admission date to come into hospital, day of admission and 3 days post procedure. Please bring the treatment with you into hospital.

If you have a known sensitivity to Octenisan or experience any reaction to the treatment, stop the treatment immediately and contact your GP or surgical team for advice.

Octenisan body and hair wash

Octenisan body and hair wash (an alternative may be given if you are sensitive to this product).

When to use

To be used daily instead of soap for  7 days. Wash hair with this product a minimum of every other day for 7 days.

How to use
  1. Wet skin and apply the body wash directly onto a the skin or a clean flannel/sponge/body puff.
  2. Apply the body wash from head to toe with particular attention to the part of your body where you are going to have your operation, the area between the buttocks, legs, groins and underarms.
  3. After 1-2 minutes rinse all skin thoroughly in the shower/bath/sink.
  4. Repeat steps 1-3.
  5. Dry with a clean towel every time wherever possible.
Read the instructions for the wash application

Mupirocin nasal ointment

Mupirocin nasal ointment (do not use in pregnancy or when breast feeding) or Naseptin® cream.

Important

Patients with a nut allergy must not be prescribed Naseptin® cream.

  • Mupirocin nasal ointment is to be used 3 times a day in the morning, afternoon and at night for 7days.
  • Naseptin® cream to be used four times a day (approx. every 6 hours) for 10 days

How to use
  1. Wash hands.
  2. Place a small (pea size) amount onto your little finger.
  3. Put inside each nostril.
  4. Gently pinch the sides of the nose together to spread the ointment.
  5. Wash hands.

Corsodyl throat spray (contains chlorhexidene)

To be used twice daily in the morning and at night for 7 days.

How to use
  1. Brush your teeth in the morning and at night prior to using the throat spray
  2. 5 minutes after brushing your teeth use the throat spray 12 times into the back of the throat
  3. Dentures should be cleaned as usual and placed in the mouth after applying throat spray

Other things you can do that will help reduce the risk of MRSA

  • Wash your hands frequently.
  • Change your clothes and nightwear daily during the course of treatment wherever possible.
  • Carers must wash their hands before and after assisting you.

Please also remember to read the product information leaflets prior to starting treatment

On admission

  • Bring this treatment with you when you come into hospital and inform the nurse/doctor when you started the treatment.
  • Inform the nurse and doctor if you have had any problems with the treatment and/or if you were unable to complete the treatment course.
  • You may have your operation cancelled on admission if you do not ensure you have your antiseptic washes before your admission as instructed.

If the date of your procedure is changed, please confirm with your pre-assessment nurse or your GP when you should start or finish this treatment.