Antibiotics to Manage Bacterial Skin Infections
People with chronic hives experience persistent itchy welts, which can make them susceptible to skin infections. Constant scratching of intensely itchy hives can break the skin, creating openings for germs to enter and potentially lead to secondary infections.1,2
Infections can worsen your chronic hive symptoms, making them more inflamed, painful, or persistent. You might notice blisters, increased redness, or new bumps or spots on your skin, possibly with clear or yellow fluid oozing (weeping). If you notice these signs, talk to your doctor.1
How are bacterial skin infections treated?
If your doctor determines you have a bacterial skin infection associated with your chronic hives, antibiotics may be prescribed. For skin infections, the culprit is often a type of bacteria called Staphylococcus aureus, commonly known as "staph."1,3
Antibiotics work by stopping the growth of these bacteria. They can be applied directly to the skin (topical) or taken by mouth (oral), depending on the severity and spread of the infection. Remember, antibiotics are only effective against bacterial infections. They do not help with hives themselves or if the infection is viral or fungal.4
Examples of common antibiotics
Examples of antibiotics your doctor might prescribe for staph skin infections include:4
- Amoxicillin
- Cephalexin
- Clindamycin
- Doxycycline
- Linezolid
- Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX)
Some skin infections do not respond to certain antibiotics. This can happen if the infection is caused by a strain that has developed resistance, such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Your doctor can confirm the strain of bacteria that caused your infection and which antibiotics may be effective in treating it.4
What are the possible side effects?
Side effects can vary depending on the specific drug you are taking. Common side effects of antibiotics are mild and may include:4
- Diarrhea
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dizziness
- Rash
- Yeast infections
Some antibiotics may interfere with medicines used to treat chronic hives. Before taking antibiotics, talk to your doctor about all your medicines.
These are not all the possible side effects of antibiotics. Talk to your doctor about what to expect when taking antibiotics. You should also call your doctor if you have any changes that concern you when taking antibiotics.
Additional treatment options for skin infections
Beyond antibiotics, managing skin infections when you have chronic hives involves good skin care. Keeping your skin clean and well-hydrated can help prevent further breakdown from scratching.2,6
Consider these additional steps:2,5,6
- Avoid excessive scratching – This is easier said than done with intensely itchy hives, but try to minimize scratching to prevent skin breaks. Your doctor may recommend strategies or medicines to help control the itch.
- Proper wound care – If you have scratched areas that have broken the skin, keep them clean and covered to prevent infection.
- Identify and avoid triggers – While not directly related to infection, understanding and avoiding your hive triggers can reduce the frequency and severity of your outbreaks, potentially lessening the urge to scratch and the risk of infection.
Other things to know
Viruses or fungi can also cause infections in people with chronic hives. Antibiotics do not work for these infections. Common viral infections are caused by the herpes simplex virus and molluscum contagiosum (a poxvirus). They can be treated with antiviral drugs. Common fungal infections are caused by Candida (a yeast) and tinea or ringworm (molds). They can be treated with antifungal creams.7
Before beginning treatment for chronic hives, tell your doctor about all your health conditions and any other drugs, vitamins, or supplements you take. This includes over-the-counter drugs.
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