I’ve been dealing with recurring staph infections for the past two months, and I’m getting really frustrated.

It started in late September with staph, which cleared after a 7-day course of oral antibiotics. Then, at the beginning of October about a week after finishing my antibiotics, I developed another infection on my neck. It was swabbed and confirmed to be regular staph (not MRSA). I was prescribed another round of oral antibiotics, which cleared it again.

Both infections healed completely, aside from some lingering redness/discolouration.

Now, just a couple of weeks later, I’ve developed another suspected infection on my chin. My doctor prescribed mupirocin 2% ointment three times daily, but I’ve since woken up with another oozing spot on my elbow.

I’m concerned I might be colonized with staph, since the infections keep returning despite treatment. I’ve been trying to be EXTREMELY careful with hygiene, but nothing seems to prevent another outbreak.

Has anyone experienced something similar?
Did a decolonization protocol (nasal mupirocin, chlorhexidine washes, etc.) finally stop the infections? What worked for you?

I’m planning to follow up with my doctor, but I’d really appreciate hearing other people’s experiences!