From the Research
For a salt water laceration on the foot, oral antibiotics such as doxycycline and a fluoroquinolone (e.g., ciprofloxacin or levofloxacin) are recommended to prevent infection, as they address common gram-positive and gram-negative aquatic bacteria, including Vibrio species 1. When managing a salt water laceration on the foot, it is essential to consider the unique bacterial environment of salt water, which includes pathogens like Vibrio species, Aeromonas hydrophila, and Pseudomonas species 1.
- The initial treatment should include thorough cleaning of the wound with clean water and mild soap, application of an antiseptic like povidone-iodine, and coverage with a sterile bandage that should be changed daily.
- Elevating the foot when possible and monitoring for signs of worsening infection, such as increasing redness, warmth, swelling, pus, red streaking, or fever, are also crucial.
- The choice of antibiotic should be based on the most recent and highest quality evidence available, which in this case suggests doxycycline and a fluoroquinolone as the preferred options for salt water lacerations 1.
- While other studies discuss various aspects of wound management and antibiotic use, the specific context of salt water lacerations and the need to address aquatic bacteria make 1 the most relevant and guiding evidence for this recommendation.