The 5-day decolonisation protocol consists of all or some of the following products, depending on colonised sites. Obtain further advice from Infection Control if necessary.

• Chlorhexidine 4% Skin Cleanser for bathing/ showering/ washing for five days (for patients with nasal and/or skin carriage). Use as liquid soap with a disposable wipe. Do not use patient's flannel. If the patient's condition allows, also use to wash hair. Specialist dermatology advice should be sought prior to decolonising patients with skin disorders, e.g. eczema, psoriasis. Octenisan may be useful for babies and sensitive skin
• Mupirocin 2% nasal ointment applied to each nostril three times daily (for patients with nasal carriage and /or skin carriage). Apply using a cotton bud or gloved fingertip
• Mupirocin 2% cream applied to small superficial wounds three times a day. If wounds are healing despite the presence of MRSA, it will probably be more harmful to disturb the wound three times a day to apply mupirocin – in which case normal wound care should continue. Mupirocin is not appropriate for large or complex wounds

An MHRA patient information leaflet is available on the Public Health England (HPA) website.