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Severe Skin and Soft Tissue Infections

Infections that reach below the skin’s surface into fat or muscle are grouped as severe skin and soft tissue infections. Cellulitis that keeps spreading despite early care, an abscess that needs draining, and necrotising fasciitis all fall within this group. They can deteriorate quickly, so assessment and antibiotic treatment should not be delayed.

Medicine used to treat Severe Skin and Soft Tissue Infections

Clindamycin

Clindamycin

150 · 300mg

Clindamycin tablets contain clindamycin for severe skin and soft tissue infections and dental abscess. They come in several strengths and pack sizes. You see the price per tablet for each option.

FromUS$2.04/ tabletView

Key points

  • Redness that spreads past the edge of a wound, tightly swollen warm skin, or new blistering needs urgent medical attention.
  • Fever, chills or a racing heartbeat together with a wound points to infection affecting the whole body.
  • Clindamycin is active against anaerobic bacteria and MRSA, and is used with surgical drainage where pus has collected.

Signs to look for

Watch for redness extending beyond the wound margin, skin that feels hot and tight, blisters, or patches turning dark. A fever, shivering or a fast pulse alongside a skin injury suggests the infection has moved past the skin itself. Warm, humid surroundings and contact with water or soil can let a minor injury worsen quickly.

How it is treated

Antibiotics are almost always needed, and the choice depends on which bacteria are likely involved. Deep infections often involve anaerobic organisms or MRSA in addition to streptococci. Clindamycin works against many of these organisms and is frequently used where anaerobic cover or MRSA activity is required. Where pus has collected or tissue has died, drainage or debridement is often necessary as well; antibiotics alone cannot clear a pocket of pus or dead tissue.

Clindamycin tablets

Clindamycin is supplied as 150 mg and 300 mg tablets (Clindamycin). Besides severe skin and soft tissue infections, it is used for dental abscess. Pharmacy partners in India ship orders to Malaysia in discreet packaging.

When to see a doctor

Seek care the same day if redness is spreading, blisters or dark patches appear, or the skin becomes painful and tight. Fever, chills or a racing heartbeat with any wound should be treated as urgent. Waiting to see whether a wound settles on its own is risky once these features are present.

Further reading

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