The medicine shown is Mupirocin ointment 2% (Solu-M). It is a topical antibiotic used on the skin for certain bacterial infections, especially those caused by Staphylococcus and Streptococcus bacteria.

Mupirocin is active against many gram-positive bacteria, including some MRSA strains, and is commonly used for localized impetigo. Katzung's Basic and Clinical Pharmacology, 16th ed., Mupirocin section.

Get medical advice if the area is spreading, painful, swollen, has fever/pus, or does not begin improving after a few days. Do not use it repeatedly or for a prolonged period without advice, because bacteria can become resistant.

Yes, it may be prescribed for a small skin wound if the clinician suspects or wants to treat a superficial bacterial infection. Mupirocin is a topical antibiotic, particularly for infections due to staphylococcal or streptococcal bacteria.

But it is not needed for every wound. A clean, minor cut usually needs washing with clean running water, gentle drying, and a clean dressing. Use mupirocin only if it was prescribed or advised, especially if there is redness, pus, crusting, or an infected-looking wound. A drug reference notes it can be used with wound dressings, but topical antibacterials are generally an adjunct rather than treatment for a deep infection. Tintinalli's Emergency Medicine, Antimicrobial Agents section.

Do not apply it without medical advice on:

Seek prompt medical care if redness spreads, there is increasing pain/swelling, pus, fever, red streaks, numbness, or the wound is from an animal/human bite, rusty object, or has not been cleaned. The official mupirocin label lists impetigo as its approved use and advises against use where large amounts of the ointment base might be absorbed.