Uncomplicated Skin Infections

Key facts

• Uncomplicated skin infections are bacterial infections confined to the outer skin layers, without deep tissue involvement or whole-body illness; impetigo, mild cellulitis, and infected minor cuts fall into this group.
• Most stem from Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes entering through a cut, insect bite or cracked skin, making the area red, warm and swollen, sometimes with pus or crusting.
• A short course of oral antibiotics clears most cases; cefpodoxime, a cephalosporin covering the common organisms, is widely used for mild-to-moderate infections.
• Spreading redness, fever or red streaking means the infection is going deeper and needs urgent care.

What causes them and how they are treated

Most uncomplicated skin infections stem from Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes entering through a break in the skin. The area typically becomes red, warm and swollen, with possible pus or crusting. A short course of oral antibiotics clears the majority of cases, and cefpodoxime, a third-generation cephalosporin, covers the usual culprits. Keeping the area clean and dry supports recovery.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor promptly if the redness spreads rapidly, you develop a fever, or red streaking appears around the wound, as these signs suggest the infection is moving deeper and needs urgent assessment.

This page is educational and does not replace advice from a doctor or pharmacist who knows your health history.