An antibiotic ointment is used if a minor skin infection develops. Antibiotics also need to be taken by mouth or given by injection if a large area of skin is infected. Abscesses should be cut open by a doctor and allowed to drain, and any dead tissue must be surgically removed.
The active ingredient in Lamisil, terbinafine hydrochloride, is generally considered the most effective over-the-counter treatment for fungus issues, says Dr. Zeichner. And in our testing, we found that this easy-to-use, non-greasy cream really did zap our athlete's foot problems quickly.
Symptoms usually began 1-3 days after infection. Sores (lesions) begin as small red spots, usually on the face (especially around the nose and mouth), but can appear anywhere on the body. The sores are often itchy, but usually not painful.
Mupirocin Cream or Ointment. Mupirocin ointment is a medication that treats bacterial skin infections. It prevents bacteria growth and kills existing bacteria on your skin. You can rub this medication on your affected skin.
The following are common oral antibiotic choices for skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs): penicillins (eg, amoxicillin, penicillin V, augmentin, dicloxacillin), cephalosporins (such as cephalexin, cefdinir), clindamycin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, doxycycline, minocycline, or linezolid.
Use creams, lotions or gels that soothe and cool the skin.
Short-term use of nonprescription corticosteroid cream may offer short-term relief of itchy, inflamed skin. Or try calamine lotion or creams with menthol (Sarna, others), camphor, capsaicin, or a topical anesthetic, such as pramoxine (adults only).
Water is great for your health in many ways, including itch relief. Drinking more water keeps your skin hydrated from the inside out and flushes out toxins that can cause irritation. Remember, caffeine and alcohol are dehydrating and can worsen itching.
Dermatologists. Dermatologists are medical doctors who specialize in diagnosing and treating diseases of the skin, hair, nails and mucus membrane.
If you have a serious skin disease, a doctor may want to treat it with a prescription cream or ointment. If your dry skin becomes itchy, you may use a lotion with hydrocortisone in it. If your skin cracks open, your doctor may prescribe wet dressings to help prevent infection.
What is the most serious skin condition? Cold sores, psoriasis, rosacea, shingles, and vitiligo are examples of skin diseases that can't be cured.
Corticosteroids are the main topical medications used to relieve inflammation (swelling, itching, and redness) of the skin. Corticosteroids are most effective for rashes caused by allergic or inflammatory reactions to things such as poison ivy, metals, cloth, drugs, eczema, and many others.
In broad terms, bacterial infections often cause acute inflammation, pus or swelling, while fungal infections develop slowly and cause symptoms like a persistent cough, itchy rash or thickened skin.
Both rubbing alcohol and hydrogen peroxide kill bacteria, viruses, and fungi. (Photo Credit: ColleenMichaels/Dreamstime.) Rubbing alcohol is effective against bacteria such as E. coli and staph, killing them within 10 seconds.
Both Fucidin and Fucidin H cream are effective treatments for skin infections. Fucidin cream kills bacteria, but Fucidin H also helps stop itching and swelling. It contains two active ingredients: Fusidic acid (2%): An antibiotic that kills bacteria that cause skin infections.
Clotrimazole Skin Cream, Lotion, Ointment or Solution. Clotrimazole is a medicated antifungal skin cream, lotion, ointment or solution. It treats certain kinds of skin fungal or yeast infections. Follow the instructions on the label and wash your hands before and after using this product on your skin.
FUNGICURE Medicated Anti-Fungal Wash controls most fungal skin infections including jock itch, ringworm, athlete's foot, and tinea versicolor. Shower up, extinguish the fire, and get relief, with FUNGICURE.