Bacterial Skin Infections

Treatment depends on the severity and extent of the infection and include:

If the infection recurs, and if Staph aureus is found in the nose swab, the doctor may prescribe topical antibiotics to be applied into the nose, and anti-bacterial soap. It is important to follow the instructions given by the doctor.

ERYSIPELAS / CELLULITIS:

Treatment depends upon the severity of the infection.

For milder infections, a course of oral antibiotics for one to two weeks may be prescribed. It is important that the course of antibiotics is completed.

If the infection is not improving with oral medications, or if the infection is more severe, hospital admission for antibiotic injections may be required for a few days. These injections are given directly into the vein (intravenous or IV) through a plastic tube (cannula).

Other treatment measures that may be required include:

BOILS / ABSCESS:

Treatment depends upon the severity of the infection.

For milder infections, a course of oral antibiotics for one to two weeks may be prescribed. It is important that the course of antibiotics is completed.

If the infection is not improving with oral medications, or if pus is expressed from the boil, a minor operation to “open up” the boil may be performed by the doctor (incision and drainage). After the minor operation, the wound is left open and daily dressing is required until the wound heals up in one to two weeks.

For more severe cases, your child may be admitted to the hospital for a few days for antibiotic injections to be administered. These injections are given directly into the vein (intravenous or IV) through a plastic tube (cannula).

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