Impetigo topical antibiotics: safe use and care

Topical antibiotic medicine is placed directly on the affected skin to treat bacteria at the surface. It may be suitable when sores are limited and easy to reach. It is not automatically right for every rash, so a clinician should confirm what the skin changes represent and explain whether another treatment is needed.

Some creams or ointments can irritate the skin. Stop and seek advice for a severe rash, facial swelling, wheezing, or breathing difficulty. Avoid putting medicine into the eyes or mouth unless the product instructions specifically allow it.

Wash your hands, gently clean the area, and pat it dry before application. Use a thin layer exactly as prescribed, then wash your hands again unless your hands are the treated area. Keep the tube for one person, avoid touching its tip to the sore, and do not cover the area with an airtight dressing unless advised.

Do not use topical antibiotics for longer or more often than directed. Keep sores covered when practical, avoid scratching, and do not share towels, bedding, clothing, or razors. Cleaning and hand hygiene help reduce transmission.

Arrange review if sores multiply, become more painful, develop increasing redness or warmth, or do not begin settling with the prescribed plan. Urgent care is needed for fever with severe illness, rapidly expanding redness, severe pain, eye swelling, or an allergic reaction.

Ask which lesions need the medicine, how much to apply, whether a dressing is suitable, and what to do after a missed application. Tell the clinician about allergies, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and any cream already used on the area.