Skin Infection
Bacteria can enter through a break in the skin, such as a cut or insect bite, or through skin that is already affected by another condition. The result may be a surface infection, a deeper spreading one, or infection around hair follicles. Cellulitis, impetigo and folliculitis are three recognised patterns. Warm, damp surroundings can help such infections spread.
Medicine used to treat Skin Infection
Key points
- Cellulitis affects deeper skin layers, impetigo is a crusting surface infection, and folliculitis involves hair follicles.
- Fever, fast-spreading redness, red streaks from the wound or feeling unwell need urgent medical review.
- Oral antibiotics are used for most bacterial skin infections; azithromycin is taken once daily.
Recognising the patterns
Cellulitis spreads through deeper tissue. Impetigo forms crusts on the surface and is often seen in children. Folliculitis affects the openings from which hair grows. Each pattern looks different, and the depth of infection affects how it is managed.
When to get help quickly
Do not wait if redness is moving outward fast, a fever develops, red lines run away from the affected area, or the person feels generally unwell. These features can mean the infection has gone deeper or become systemic, and urgent care is needed.
Antibiotic treatment
Oral antibiotics are used for most bacterial skin infections. The organism involved and the severity guide the choice. Azithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic with activity against common skin pathogens; it is taken once daily, which can make adherence easier. Zithromax tablets contain azithromycin in 100, 250, 500 and 1000mg strengths. Zithromax is also used for community-acquired pneumonia. More about skin infection. Orders to Malaysia are shipped by pharmacy partners in India in discreet packaging.
Further reading
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