The most common antibiotic prescribed for infected eczema is flucloxacillin, usually taken orally for about a week.
While eczema itself isn't caused by bacteria, the broken skin barrier makes it prone to secondary bacterial infections, most commonly by Staphylococcus aureus. In these cases, antibiotics become necessary to treat the infection, not the underlying eczema.
Here's a breakdown:
-
When are antibiotics needed? Antibiotics are only required when eczema becomes infected. Signs of infection include:
- Weeping fluid
- Yellow crusting
- Pus-filled blisters
- Spreading redness
- Increased pain or tenderness
-
Flucloxacillin: This is the first-line oral antibiotic for eczema infections in many regions (like the UK). It's effective against Staphylococcus aureus.
-
Alternatives: If you're allergic to penicillin-based antibiotics like flucloxacillin, your doctor may prescribe alternatives such as:
- Clarithromycin
- Erythromycin
-
Topical Antibiotics: While oral antibiotics are often used for more widespread or severe infections, topical antibiotics like mupirocin or fusidic acid might be prescribed for small, localized areas of infection. Your doctor will decide the best course of action.
Important Considerations:
- Antibiotic Resistance: Overuse of antibiotics can lead to antibiotic resistance. Therefore, antibiotics should only be used when a bacterial infection is confirmed or highly suspected.
- Proper Diagnosis: It's crucial to have a doctor diagnose the infection and prescribe the appropriate antibiotic.
- Completing the Course: Always finish the full course of antibiotics, even if your skin starts to look better, to ensure the infection is completely eradicated.
- Treating the Eczema: While the antibiotic treats the infection, continue to manage your eczema with emollients and topical corticosteroids as prescribed by your doctor. Treating the eczema helps to heal the skin barrier, making it less susceptible to future infections.
In summary, while several antibiotics can be used, flucloxacillin is typically the first-line oral antibiotic for infected eczema. Always consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
