Brief Answer:
Best left untouched ma'am, can get infected

Detailed Answer:
Hello ma'am and welcome.

Thank you for writing to us.

I have gone through your query with diligence and would like you to know that I am here to help. A usual course of antibiotics lasts about 7-10 days, although there are short courses that last for 3-5 days even. But in cases with severe moderate infections a longer course of about 14 days is prescribed.

Now, depending on the type of infection and the response the individual is having to the antibiotics the doctor prescribes a certain duration of antibiotics. But from experience I have learned that not all individuals respond to antibiotics in a similar manner. Some experience a recovery by the 5-7 days and some find the 10 day course just right. But there have been some individuals who have required a slightly longer course, which is why I always call my patients back in for a follow-up visit before the last day of the antibiotics, in which case if at all they have not completely recovered I can extend the course by a few days.

So the first thing I would recommend is to always try to visit your doctor for the scheduled follow-up, especially because it is skin related and you are a young woman.

Now coming to your query, if at all the spot has flattened but is still red it is best not to touch or apply anything on it ma'am. This can easily result in a re-infection. At this juncture, the most wise thing would be to let it be. If at all it does not subside or get better in a day or 2, then please do schedule an appointment with your primary doctor.

If it is not too much trouble ma'am, please do try to take a clear image of the affected region and add it to our discussion so I can view it for a more clear picture on your status.

I hope you find my response helpful ma'am. Please feel free to write back to me for any further clarifications, I would be more than happy to help you.

Best wishes.

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Brief Answer:
We could consider initiating topical clindamycin

Detailed Answer:
Hello once again ma'am and thank you so much for the image.

After having a look at the image, I feel we could initiate a short course of clindamycin topical gel or ointment, to be applied to the affected region. This will help to treat the remanent infection and/or prevent a re-infection as well. But I would not like to interfere with your primary doctors treatment regimen and so I would suggest you approach your doctor and see if he agrees with me as well.

As it has been almost 10 days or more since the last dose of the antibiotics, everything should have cleared by now. Also please make sure you keep your face clean at all times, do not wash it too often (so it would result in dryness) but do wash it enough number of times to keep it clean and healthy, do not touch the affected region with your hands, avoid fatty/fried/ oily food, and please make sure you drink plenty of water.

I hope you find my response both helpful and informative. Please do not hesitate to write to me, I am always here to help.

Best of luck ma'am.

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