From the Research
If you're experiencing localized skin infections after wearing a walking boot, I recommend cleaning the affected area with mild soap and water, then applying an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment like Neosporin or Polysporin 2-3 times daily, as supported by a study from 1 that showed the effectiveness of topical antibiotics in treating contaminated wounds.
Key Recommendations
- Clean the affected area with mild soap and water
- Apply an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment like Neosporin or Polysporin 2-3 times daily
- Cover with a clean bandage and elevate the limb when possible
- For mild infections, this home treatment should show improvement within 2-3 days
Prevention of Future Infections
- Clean your foot daily
- Use moisture-wicking socks
- Allow the boot to air out regularly
- Apply talcum powder to reduce moisture
- Consider using antimicrobial boot liners if available
Importance of Seeking Medical Attention
- If you notice increasing redness, warmth, swelling, pus, streaking, fever, or if symptoms don't improve after 48 hours, seek medical attention immediately
- You may need oral antibiotics like cephalexin (500mg four times daily for 7-10 days) or clindamycin (300mg four times daily for 7-10 days) as suggested by general medical knowledge and supported by the principles of treating bacterial infections.
Wound Care and Healing
- A recent study from 2 showed that efficient wound dressings can promote wound healing and reduce infection rates, highlighting the importance of proper wound care.
- The use of topical antibiotics, as seen in the study from 3, resulted in significantly lower infection rates than the use of a petrolatum control, emphasizing the importance of using effective topical treatments.