WHAT ARE THE TREATMENTS FOR SKIN INFECTIONS?

* Be aware that the recommended treatments of illnesses are always being improved. This website was last update on 11/1/2024. The best treatment option MIGHT have changed since that time.

In general, the treatment of skin infections are antibiotics. Antibiotic ointments can be used for mild infections, antibiotics by mouth are usually for moderate infections, and intravenous antibiotics are usually used for severe skin infections. The specific antibiotic you will need will depend on the degree of the infection that you have and your general health.

For Mild cellulitis: the skin is warm and painful to touch
a. Penicillin V potasium *
b. Cephalexin (Keflex) *
c. Dicloxacillin *
d. clindamycin *

If cellulitis develops after an animal bite:
a. Augmentic #
b. Clindamycin Plus Ciprofloxacin or Bactrim #

For Extremely Severe Cellulitis IV medications are used:
a. Penicillin G potassium *
b. Ceftriazone *
c. Cefazolin *
d. Clindamycin *

CAUTION:

1. Not all antibiotics treat skin infections well. You should usually see an improvement in symptoms with in 48 hours. And you should not be feeling worse after 24 hours. If you feel worse after 24 hours on an antibiotic, there is most likely a problem with the antibiotic: wrong antibiotic, wrong dose of antibiotic, or negative side effects of antibiotic.

2. All medication, including all antibiotics, have a risk of side effects.

3. Possible mild side effects are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, itching, and light skin rash.

4. Possible severe side effects a severe rash, an anaphylactic allergic reaction (leading to the inability to breathe and subsequent death if not treated rapidly), or a Clostridioides difficile infection (C-Diff).

Consult “Epocrates.com” for each Specific Medication’s possible “Adverse Reactions.” Side effects are also referred to as “Adverse Reactions.” Epocrates.com will tell you both “common reactions” and “serious reactions.” You will have to create an account, but it is simple, fast, and free.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF A SKIN INFECTION?

In general, skin infections often present as red raised or swollen skin that is painful to touch (Cellulitis). However, skin may also present with yellowish pustule drainage (after injury was done to the skin such as a dog or cat bites and they became infected)- or skin may appear as an inflamed swollen area under the skin (boil or armpit abscess). Refer to these specific diagnosis for the specific symptoms and commons.
 

WHAT CAUSE SKIN INFECTIONS?

Generally, most severe skin infections are caused by a bacteria. See the specific diagnosis for the specific cause.

HOW ARE SKIN INFECTIONS DIAGNOSED?

In general, skin infections can be diagnosed by taking a careful history and a visual inspection.