Heather--

MRSA is __methicillin__ resistant staph aureus. (Maybe just a typo, but
you had is spelled __mecithillin__.)  That means it is resistant to most
all of the usually prescribed antibiotics,which is why it wrecks such
havoc in wounds.  There are only big gun IV meds available for systemic
treatment.

My DH works as medical director in two long term care facilities where
this frequently becomes an issue because staff, who have no lesions, may
become carriers of this organism.  They obviously become a hazard to the
debilitated elderly.  Their most frequent site needing treating is nasal
passages.  But others may have it on skin.

The medication of choice is topical mupirocin ointment 2%.  This
medication is poorly absorbed via GI tract and is very effective against
the MRSA organism, and safe for mother to use on nipples.  Dr. Jack
describes using this in his article which you can find at
http://www.erols.com/cindyrn/24.htm
Hope that is helpful to you.

Melinda Hoskins, MS, RN
Minden, Nevada near where we had winds clocked at over 140 mile per hour
last night and today was as calm as could be.