Flucloxacillin for impetigo

Impetigo is a contagious superficial skin infection that can produce blisters, sores, and yellow-brown crusting. Flucloxacillin works against certain bacteria; it does not treat every rash, insect bite, or eczema flare. A clinician may choose an oral antibiotic when the affected area is extensive, spreading, or otherwise unsuitable for a local treatment. Crusting skin can have several causes, so diagnosis matters.

Take the medicine exactly as prescribed and do not share leftover capsules. Tell the prescriber about penicillin or cephalosporin allergies, pregnancy, liver problems, and other medicines. Nausea, loose stools, or stomach discomfort can occur; a widespread rash, facial swelling, breathing difficulty, or severe diarrhoea needs prompt medical advice.

Keep the sores clean and covered when practical, wash hands after touching them, and avoid sharing towels, clothing, bedding, or cosmetics. Finish the prescribed course unless the prescriber tells you to stop. Do not squeeze or pick the crusts. Children may need advice about staying away from close-contact activities until a clinician considers them less contagious. Antibiotics for skin infection and topical antibiotic therapy are different approaches; use only the one selected for your presentation.

Arrange medical review if redness, warmth, swelling, pain, or discharge is spreading, or if new sores continue appearing after treatment starts. Seek urgent help for swelling around the eye, rapidly worsening illness, fever with marked weakness, breathing difficulty, or signs of a serious allergic reaction.

Ask whether the sores are impetigo, whether an oral medicine is needed, how to take each dose, and when improvement should be checked. Ask how to reduce spread at home and what to do if you miss a dose or develop diarrhoea.