What is taken for dermatological infections?

From the Guidelines

For dermatological infections, the most appropriate treatment is a broad-spectrum antibiotic effective against aerobic and anaerobic organisms, such as piperacillin-tazobactam plus vancomycin, as recommended by the most recent guidelines 1. When managing dermatological infections, it is crucial to consider the severity and type of infection.

• For patients with systemic signs of infection, compromised immune status, severe comorbidities, associated severe cellulitis, severe and deep wounds, broad-spectrum antibiotics are always required 1.
• The choice of antibiotic depends on the suspected or confirmed causative organism, with options including piperacillin-tazobactam plus vancomycin, imipenem-cilastatin, meropenem, or ertapenem for mixed infections 1.
• For specific organisms, such as Streptococcus or Staphylococcus aureus, targeted antibiotics like penicillin plus clindamycin or nafcillin may be used 1.
• It is essential to complete the full course of medication, even if symptoms improve quickly, and to keep the infected area clean and dry to promote healing and prevent further complications.
• In cases where the infection is severe or does not respond to initial treatment, consultation with a specialist and consideration of alternative or additional therapies may be necessary.

From the FDA Drug Label

For the following infections, a dosage of 500 mg may be administered every 12 hours: streptococcal pharyngitis, skin and skin structure infections, and uncomplicated cystitis in patients over 15 years of age. For streptococcal pharyngitis in patients over 1 year of age and for skin and skin structure infections, the total daily dose may be divided and administered every 12 hours.

Cephalexin is taken for dermatological infections, specifically skin and skin structure infections 2.

From the Research

Dermatological Infections Treatment

For dermatological infections, various treatments are used, including:

• Topical antibiotics such as erythromycin, clindamycin, mupirocyne, and fusidic acid for localized external skin layer infections 3
• Systemic treatment with beta-lactam antibiotics, macrolides, and tetracycline for widespread and deeper infections 3
• First-generation cephalosporins as a potential first-line empirical regimen for bacterial skin infections treated in outpatient settings 4
• Penicillin as the treatment of choice for erysipelas, a non-purulent infection caused by beta-hemolytic streptococci 5
• First- or second-generation cephalosporins or flucloxacillin for limited soft tissue infection (cellulitis) usually caused by Staphylococcus aureus 5

Specific Infections and Treatments

Specific infections and their corresponding treatments include:

• Impetigo contagiosa, folliculitis, and erythrasma, which can be treated with topical antibiotics 3
• Severe staphylococcal and streptococcal infections, which require systemic treatment 3
• Secondary bacterial infections, such as those associated with atopic dermatitis or lower leg arterial and venous ulceration, which may require systemic antibiotics 3, 6
• Cutaneous abscesses, which can be treated with adequate drainage and additional antibiotic therapy under certain circumstances 5

Antibiotic Resistance and Treatment Response

Antibiotic resistance is a significant concern in the treatment of dermatological infections, with:

• High resistance rates to penicillin and oxacillin among Staphylococcus aureus isolates 4
• Resistance to multiple antibiotics associated with lower treatment response 4
• The use of non-systemic antibiotics associated with lower treatment response 4