Antibiotics for skin and soft tissue infections

A skin infection may affect the surface, hair follicles, a wound, or deeper tissue. Cellulitis can cause spreading redness, warmth, swelling, and tenderness. Antibiotics work against susceptible bacteria; they do not treat viruses, fungi, or every inflamed rash. A clinician considers the affected area, allergies, previous antibiotic use, immune health, and whether pus or an abscess needs drainage. Swabs or other tests may be used when the diagnosis is uncertain or treatment is not working.

Take an antibiotic exactly as prescribed and do not share leftover tablets or use someone else’s cream. Follow instructions about food and missed doses, and complete the prescribed course unless a clinician changes it. Keep the area clean, avoid squeezing a lump, wash hands after touching the site, and attend any planned review. Contact the prescriber if diarrhoea, a new rash, or another suspected medicine reaction develops.

Get urgent medical help if redness spreads quickly, pain is severe, the skin becomes dusky or blistered, fever or confusion develops, or swelling affects the face or eye. Seek prompt review when treatment is not improving the infection, or if you have diabetes, poor circulation, or a weakened immune system. Breathing difficulty or facial swelling after a dose may be a severe allergic reaction.

Ask what infection is being treated, how soon improvement should begin, whether a sample or drainage is needed, and what to do if a dose is missed. Mention medicine allergies and all current treatments.