Trimethoprim-polymyxin B sulphate cream compared with fusidic acid cream in the treatment of superficial bacterial infection of the skin.

Trimethoprim-polymyxin B sulphate cream or fusidic acid cream was used to treat 64 patients with primary or secondary superficial bacterial infections of the skin in a randomized, double-blind controlled trial. Both treatments were effective in alleviating the clinical signs and symptoms associated with bacterial infection. A cream containing a combination of 0.17 mg/g trimethoprim and 10,000 IU/g polymyxin B sulphate was, however, significantly more effective than a 20 mg/g fusidic acid cream in reducing the signs of crust and tenderness.