Skin Infection
2 medicines
A skin infection develops when bacteria breach the skin's barrier through a cut, bite, or existing condition, causing redness, swelling, and sometimes fever. Oral antibiotics such as azithromycin usually clear it.
Key facts
- A bacterial skin infection starts when bacteria get through a break in the skin, a cut, an insect bite, or an existing skin condition, and multiply in the tissue underneath.
- Common forms include cellulitis (a spreading infection of the deeper skin layers), impetigo (a crusting, superficial infection common in children), and folliculitis (infected hair follicles).
- Most cases respond to oral antibiotics. Azithromycin and roxithromycin are macrolides that work well against common skin pathogens and are convenient once-daily doses.
- Seek care promptly if redness spreads quickly, red streaking appears, or fever develops, these can signal a deeper infection needing urgent treatment.
What is happening under the skin
Skin normally keeps bacteria out. Once that barrier is broken, whether by a wound, a bite, or a patch of eczema, bacteria such as staphylococcus and streptococcus species can take hold and multiply. Cellulitis spreads through the deeper layers of skin and soft tissue, producing warmth, swelling, and tenderness that expands outward. Impetigo stays superficial, forming honey-coloured crusts, and spreads easily on contact, especially among children. Folliculitis inflames individual hair follicles, showing up as small, tender, pus-filled bumps.
Antibiotic treatment
Oral antibiotics are the standard treatment for most bacterial skin infections. The choice depends on the likely organism and how severe the infection is. Azithromycin is a macrolide that covers common skin pathogens well and is dosed once a day, which makes it easier to complete the full course. Roxithromycin is another macrolide with a similar spectrum and is generally well tolerated. Finishing the full course matters even once symptoms improve, stopping early lets surviving bacteria rebound.
When to see a doctor
Get medical attention promptly if the affected area is spreading rapidly, you develop a fever, notice red streaking leading away from the site, or start to feel generally unwell. These signs can point to a deeper or systemic infection that needs urgent evaluation rather than routine antibiotic treatment at home. Anyone with diabetes, a weakened immune system, or a wound near the eyes or face should also seek prompt review, as complications progress faster in those situations.
This page is educational and does not replace advice from a doctor or pharmacist who knows your health history.