Which topical antibiotic is the drug of choice for treating impetigo?

Mupirocin is the drug of choice for treating impetigo primarily due to its effectiveness against the staphylococcal and streptococcal bacteria that commonly cause this skin infection. It works by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis, which effectively stops the growth of the pathogens involved.

In addition to its potency, mupirocin has a favorable safety profile and is well-tolerated in pediatric patients. Its formulation is specifically designed for easy application to the skin lesions associated with impetigo, making it practical for treating this condition in children.

Other options, while they may have roles in treating various skin infections or are used in different contexts, do not match mupirocin's efficacy and suitability for impetigo. For example, bacitracin is primarily effective against Gram-positive bacteria but has limited penetration ability and is not typically the first-line treatment for impetigo. Clindamycin is often prescribed for more severe cases or when oral antibiotics are necessary, but it is not the preferred topical agent. Fusidic acid is also effective against staphylococcal infections but is not as widely used or recommended as mupirocin for impetigo in pediatric patients.