I read a lot of post where people are asking questions about what the treatment options for skin infections are so I decided to put together a brief primer on the topic that I hope will help some folks. First an infection of the skin is referred to as Cellulitis. Cellulitis is then separated in to non-purulent and purulent (abscess). The most common organisms that cause non-purulent infections would include Beta-hemolytic streptococci and MSSA , Methicillin sensitive staph aureus. In purulent infections with Abscess the most common organism that needs to be considered is MRSA, Methicillin resitant staph aureus. In both infections the early signs and symptoms include increasing warmth, redness, possible fever. However, purulent infections will quickly develop a distinct palpable fluctuance with induration (thickening of the skin in the area.)
Treatment includes both conservative and antibiotic therapy. For non-purulent Cellulitis general measures include warm compresses, elevation of affected limb and antibiotics. The choices for antibiotic therapy should cover both strept and MSSA. Oral medications like Cephalexin, dicloxacillin and Clindamycin should be sufficient. On the other hand, in purulent infections the treatment should include all of the above and Incision and drainage of the wound with possible packing to allow drainage. In addition, the anti-biotic spectrum should be widened to include the most common organism to cause abscess these days, MRSA. The choices for oral anti-biotics for MRSA could include Bactrim, clindamycin, Doxycycline and Linezolid. If oral treatment is not successful then IV treatment would need to be considered.
Hope this helps