Using antibiotics for skin infections

Redness, warmth, swelling, pain, or pus can occur with a bacterial infection, but similar changes can come from irritation, an allergy, a fungal infection, or another skin condition. A clinician examines the area and considers where it is, how quickly it is changing, whether there is an abscess, and the person's medical history. Cellulitis is commonly treated with antibiotics. A pocket of pus may need a procedure to drain it because medicine alone may not empty the collection.

Use the antibiotic on the prescribed schedule and do not save doses for another illness. Keep the affected skin clean and follow any dressing instructions. Do not squeeze, puncture, or cut a swollen area at home. If the leg or arm is swollen, elevating it may ease discomfort when practical. Marking the visible edge of redness can help you notice spread, but it does not replace reassessment. Tell the prescriber about medicine allergies, pregnancy, kidney problems, and all other medicines you take.

Seek urgent care if redness spreads quickly, pain is severe or out of proportion to the skin changes, the skin becomes dark or blistered, red streaks appear, or you feel faint, confused, or very unwell. Infection near an eye, rapidly increasing facial swelling, or swelling that affects breathing or swallowing also needs urgent assessment. Contact the treating clinician if the area is not improving as expected, pus collects, fever develops, or vomiting prevents you from taking the medicine.

You can ask whether the area looks like cellulitis or an abscess, whether a sample is needed, how to clean and cover the skin, and what improvement should look like. Also clarify what to do after a missed dose and whether work, swimming, sport, or close skin contact should be limited while the area heals.