What should you know about dermatological antibiotics?

A clinician may consider a cream, ointment, tablet, or combination treatment when examination suggests bacteria are causing infection. Cellulitis can produce spreading redness, warmth, swelling, and tenderness, while a more localised problem may be managed with a topical preparation. The choice depends on the site, depth, likely bacteria, allergies, other medicines, and whether the infection is spreading.

Redness or spots can also come from irritation, allergy, eczema, bites, or a viral illness, so an antibiotic is not a general treatment for every skin change. Antibiotics used for other conditions, including Acute Bronchitis, Brucellosis, Chlamydia, Conjunctivitis, Giardiasis, Gonorrhoea, or Helicobacter Pylori Infection, should not be borrowed for a skin problem.

Use the product exactly as prescribed and complete the advised course unless the prescriber changes it. Wash your hands before and after applying a topical medicine, use only the instructed amount, and keep it away from eyes and inside the mouth unless specifically prescribed there. Do not share antibiotics or save leftover medicine for another rash.

Tell the clinician about previous antibiotic reactions, pregnancy, breastfeeding, kidney or liver problems, and all medicines you take. Ask what improvement should look like and when the skin should be reviewed. Keep the area clean, avoid squeezing lesions, and use a separate towel if discharge is present.

Seek prompt medical advice if redness is spreading, pain or swelling is increasing, pus is appearing, or fever develops. Get urgent help for swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat, breathing difficulty, widespread hives, faintness, or blistering after an antibiotic. A rapidly worsening infection, severe pain out of proportion to the visible rash, or involvement around the eye needs urgent assessment.

What infection are we treating, and why is an antibiotic suitable? Should I use a cream or take tablets? How long should I use it? Which side effects require help? What should I do if the rash spreads or does not improve?