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Suggest Treating For Skin Infection On The Cheeks

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Posted on Mon, 22 May 2017
Question: I have a skin infection on my cheek on my face.Can I take bactrim DS bid and clindamycin 300mg every 6 hours?
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Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (29 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Information

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,

Were you seen by a doctor and prescribed these? I would not advise taking them unless you had done so. Because different types of infections require different types of antibiotics specific to the causative microorganism. If it is an infection of the soft tissue of the skin (cellulitis), then these antibiotics may not be helpful. Usually, then, an antibiotic such as dicloxicillin or cephalexin would be more effective because they have more specific gram positive coverage.

Also, it is important to assess the size and severity of the infection and watch for spreading with follow up.

If it is a small infection, applying heat such as with hot wet washcloth, several times a day can be very helpful. The heat decreases the multipliction of the bacteria and also draws more white blood cells to the area to clean up the infection.

So, no, Bactrim ds and Clindamycin would not be the thing to do for a skin infection. Clindamycin is good for the bacteria that causes acne, but not for a skin infection.

I hope this information helps. Please let me know if I can provide further information.
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1991

Answered : 3134 Questions

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Suggest Treating For Skin Infection On The Cheeks

Brief Answer: Information Detailed Answer: Hello and welcome, Were you seen by a doctor and prescribed these? I would not advise taking them unless you had done so. Because different types of infections require different types of antibiotics specific to the causative microorganism. If it is an infection of the soft tissue of the skin (cellulitis), then these antibiotics may not be helpful. Usually, then, an antibiotic such as dicloxicillin or cephalexin would be more effective because they have more specific gram positive coverage. Also, it is important to assess the size and severity of the infection and watch for spreading with follow up. If it is a small infection, applying heat such as with hot wet washcloth, several times a day can be very helpful. The heat decreases the multipliction of the bacteria and also draws more white blood cells to the area to clean up the infection. So, no, Bactrim ds and Clindamycin would not be the thing to do for a skin infection. Clindamycin is good for the bacteria that causes acne, but not for a skin infection. I hope this information helps. Please let me know if I can provide further information.