Retapamulin: a novel topical antibiotic.

Skin infections are a common reason for patients to seek attention from dermatologists. The most common bacteria found in skin and soft tissue infections (SSTI) include the gram-positive organisms Staphylococcus aureus (55.2%), hemolytic Streptococci (5.0%), and Coagulasenegative Staphylococci (4.9%). Most of these bacteria causing SSTI have become resistant to the leading topical antimicrobials used in clinical practice. Antibiotics with a novel mechanism of action are needed to address the rising resistance to established classes of both systemic and topical agents. Resistance has already developed to two of the most commonly used topical antibiotics, fusidic acid and mupirocin. [1]