Patient Instructions for Skin Infection Care
Keep your infected area clean and covered with a clean, dry bandage, wash your hands frequently after touching the wound or dressing, and complete the full course of antibiotics prescribed by your doctor even if the infection appears to be improving. 1
Wound Care and Hygiene
Clean the infected area thoroughly before applying any topical medication to remove debris and reduce bacterial contamination. 1 After cleaning and applying any prescribed ointment, cover the wound with a clean, dry bandage to protect it from further contamination. 1 Change the bandage daily or whenever it becomes wet or soiled. 1
Maintain excellent hand hygiene by washing your hands with soap and water before and after touching the infected area or changing dressings. 1 This is one of the most important steps in preventing the spread of infection to other parts of your body or to other people.
Personal Items and Household Precautions
Do not share personal items that may have contacted the infected area, including towels, washcloths, razors, clothing, or bedding. 1 Avoid reusing items that have touched the wound without washing them first. 1 For recurrent skin infections, focus on cleaning high-touch surfaces that may contact bare skin, such as doorknobs, countertops, and bathroom fixtures. 1
Medication Instructions
Take all antibiotics exactly as prescribed by your doctor for the full duration of treatment, typically 7-10 days for most skin infections. 2 Do not stop taking the medication early even if you feel better, as this can lead to the infection returning or becoming resistant to treatment. If you are prescribed cephalexin suspension, store it in the refrigerator and discard any unused portion after 14 days. 2
If using topical bacitracin or similar ointments for minor cuts or scrapes, apply a thin layer after cleaning the wound and cover with a bandage. 1 However, do not use bacitracin for animal bites, serious burns, or large areas of the body. 1
Warning Signs and When to Seek Care
Stop using any topical medications and contact your healthcare provider immediately if your condition persists beyond one week or if symptoms worsen. 1 Seek immediate medical attention if you develop fever, increasing redness spreading beyond the original infection site, increasing pain, pus or drainage, red streaks extending from the wound, or swelling. 3
For bite wounds from animals or humans, seek medical care promptly as these require special evaluation and may need different antibiotics than typical skin infections. 3 Your doctor will determine if you need tetanus vaccination, rabies prophylaxis, or specific antibiotics active against bite-wound bacteria. 3
Special Considerations
If you have diabetes, are immunocompromised, or have other chronic medical conditions, monitor your infection closely and maintain close contact with your healthcare provider, as you are at higher risk for complications. 3 Children with skin infections should be monitored carefully, and parents should ensure proper hand hygiene and wound care techniques are followed. 1