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MRSA decolonisation
therapy
A recently taken swab has shown that you have the MRSA bacteria present. This does not
necessarily mean that you have an infection or that it is going to cause you any harm.
However, if you are coming into hospital for an operation or other surgical procedure, or require
a drip or urinary catheter to be in place, the chances of the bacteria getting into your body and
possibly causing an infection are increased.
Therefore we advise that as a precaution you receive treatment to reduce and possibly remove
the MRSA bacteria from your body. This is called decolonisation therapy. It involves using a
body wash (Octenisan) and nasal ointment (Bactroban) for 5 consecutive days.
You are also asked, where possible, to change your bed linen and clothing everyday during this
5 day period. This is because skin cells which may be carrying MRSA are shed continuously
and collect in clothing and bed linen.
Decolonisation therapy instructions
Octenisan body wash
Octenisan body wash is quite gentle on the skin and can be used by people with sensitive skin.
You will need to wash all over your body once a day for 5 days with Octenisan body wash.
If you have a shower
1. Wet the skin and then turn the shower off.
2. Apply Octenisan body wash to the skin, preferably with a disposable cloth. Begin with the
face and work downwards, paying particular attention to the areas around the nose,
armpits and groin.
3. Leave on for 3 minutes, then turn the shower on again and rinse off.
If you have a bath
1. Do not add the Octenisan body wash to the bath water – this makes it too dilute to be
effective.
2. You should stand out of the bath and put the body wash directly onto wet skin with a
disposable cloth as described above.
3. After 3 minutes, get back into the bath and rinse off.
If you strip wash
1. Wet the skin.
2. Apply Octenisan body wash to the skin with a disposable cloth as described above.
3. Leave on for 3 minutes and then rinse off.
Hair washing
You will also need to wash your hair on day 2 and day 4 of the therapy. Use undiluted
Octenisan body wash onto wet hair like a shampoo, leave for 3 minutes and rinse off. You can
use your own shampoo and conditioner afterwards if you wish.
Important
The body wash should stay in contact with your skin/hair for 3 minutes before you rinse it off.
Use a new disposable cloth (or flannel) and clean towel each day. Towels or flannels must not
be shared with other family members during the therapy.
Bactroban nasal ointment
1. Remember to wash your hands before and after applying the Bactroban ointment.
2. Place a small amount of the ointment onto your finger (about the size of a match stick
head). Alternatively you can also use a cotton bud.
3. Apply the ointment to the inside of your nose. Press the sides of the nose together. This
will help to spread the ointment in the nose.
4. Wash your hands.
This needs to be repeated 3 times a day for 5 days.
Wound cream
If you have a wound smaller than a 50p piece, a wound cream will need to be applied. If
prescribed, apply the cream 3 times a day for 5 days. If the cream causes skin irritation, stop
using it and contact your GP.
Further information
•
Ideally bed linen and clothes should be changed every day during the therapy before you
have a bath or shower. If it is not possible to change bedding every day, then it should be
changed immediately before starting the decolonisation therapy and again after finishing
the treatment.
•
Bed linen, clothes and towels can be washed in your own washing machine at 40°C.
•
Tumble drying will also kill the MRSA bacteria.
•
Good hygiene is the best way to avoid spreading MRSA. Make sure you wash your
hands regularly with soap and warm water.
Family and friends
MRSA is not a risk for healthy people. There are no restrictions on normal social contact or
activities and you are not a risk to other members of your family or friends. If there are any
activities that you are concerned about, i.e. your work or a visit to a hospital or care home
please contact your GP for advice.
Useful contacts
NHS Direct
Telephone: 0845 4647
Website: www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk
Health Protection Agency
Website: www.hpa.org.uk
Any external organisations and websites included here do not necessarily reflect the views of the Derby Hospitals NHS
Foundation Trust, nor does their inclusion constitute a recommendation.
Reference Code: P0494/1518/12.2009/VERSION1
© Copyright 2009 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means without prior
permission in writing from the Patient Information Service, Derby Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.