Treatments

Skin and Soft Tissue Infections Treatments

Many uncomplicated skin and soft tissue infections can be treated at home. Necrotizing soft tissue infections and MRSA require immediate medical attention.

If treating a small infection (less than a half-inch across) at home:

• Use warm compresses on the site four times a day for 30 minutes.
• Don’t stick a needle into the infected site to drain it, as that might accidentally spread the infection into your bloodstream.
• Don’t squeeze or push on any pimple-like bumps, as that can push the infection deeper into your tissue.
• Call your physician if:
  • The site gets larger than a half-inch across
  • You have a fever
  • You have an enlarged or sore lymph gland
  • There’s a red streak leading away from the infection site

When skin and soft tissue infections don’t clear up on their own, treatment may include:

• Antibiotic or antifungal cream
• Oral antibiotic or antifungal medications
• IV medications
• Surgery to drain the infection
• Surgery to remove dead tissue
• Hyperbaric oxygen therapy
• Surgery to amputate a damaged limb