DD with impetigo will the oral antibiotics be needed?

[Liveinthepresent]

Ok so following my other thread about DS needing antibiotics for his cough - am now seeking opinions from anyone whose DC have had impetigo.
Saw GP on Weds - he prescribed antibiotic ointment ( mupirocin) and oral antibiotics to use if it didnt start clearing up.

It's only been 2 days I know but am wondering whether I should just give the oral AB as its quite bad and reading old threads on here it sounds like it might be quite persistent. A secondary consideration but she is due to go to nursery next Tuesday - I assume they won't want her until its cleared up.

Obviously I know they aren't to be taken willy-nilly ( as my DM would say!) but I think sometimes I wait too long and the end result is I end up giving them anyway and wishing I had done it sooner.
If its relevant she is hardly ever ill and hasn't had ABs since as a baby.

What do others think?

[catonlap]

What instructions did the GP give about if and when to use the oral antibiotics?

Has it got any better at all over the past 2 days with the ointment?

If it has started to respond - affected area getting smaller/looking less red etc - then I'd be inclined to stick with the same as you're doing for now.

If it hasn't calmed down at all in 2 days then starting the oral treatment wouldn't be unreasonable.

It it has got worse despite using the ointment over the past 2 days, then I would definitely start the oral treatment.

[Liveinthepresent]

Thanks cat it's hard to tell really as there is quite a crop but I think it's getting worse as a couple of small spots have appeared on her face.
I think I am going to start them as then I have 4 days to make sure I am giving the dose at the right time over the long weekend.