Skin infections are a common concern, but many people misunderstand what they are and how to treat them. Sometimes, what might look like a spider bite turns out to be an infection under the skin. J.P. Johnson, physician assistant at Prisma Health CareToday Clinic, sees this a lot. “First, it’s important to know that it’s not about being dirty. Despite efforts to bathe regularly, we pick up bacteria on our skin as we walk around in the world. Bacteria such as staph and strep can breed infection. And, sometimes, an abscess can start from an ingrown hair,” he explains.
Picking or squeezing those areas can make the problem worse. “Don’t pick at it, and don’t try to drain it yourself,” Johnson warns. That can cause more harm by spreading or pushing bacteria deeper. Instead, Johnson encourages using simple home care first: wash with warm, soapy water using an over-the-counter antibacterial soap. Then, apply a topical antibiotic. With mild cases, careful disinfecting with soap and water, plus topical antibiotics often helps clear them up.
How will you know if the infection has become more serious, or you need medical care? “If you start running a fever, see red streaks traveling away from the sore, or if the infection is near a joint and limiting movement, come in right away,” Johnson advises. Patients with diabetes or a history of antibiotic-resistant infections also need quicker evaluation and possible treatment with prescription antibiotics.
In cases of an abscess, which is a pocket of pus, a health care professional can drain it. “If we drain it, patients often feel almost immediate relief because the painful swelling is gone. After 24 hours, they’re feeling much better. With most abscesses, you should start seeing overall improvement within three to five days,” Johnson said. If the infection seems more spread out, which is called cellulitis, medication can help, but your health care provider also may run labs to check white blood cell counts.
Prevention matters, too, especially for those prone to abscesses. Johnson recommends washing regularly with products designed to reduce germ buildup. A product called Hibiclens® is one option, and some patients prone to abscesses wash with it a few times a week. Face or body washes containing salicylic acid also can help early abscesses form a head or drain naturally. If that happens, warm showers and soap can help the healing process. Though these home care techniques work well, there are risks when infections are near joints or in sensitive areas like the genitals or groin. Infections or abscesses in these areas can be serious and need urgent attention from a health care provider.
While most mild skin infections can be treatable at home, when they advance, delaying treatment can lead to complications. Early treatment can make healing faster and safer, as well as help prevent pain, swelling and potentially more serious issues later.
The CareToday Clinic is open M-F from 7a.m.-10p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 8a.m.-8p.m. No appointment is necessary, and treatment is available for all ages. In case of emergency, call 911, or go directly to the Prisma Health Blount Memorial Hospital emergency department.
