Persistent Impetigo Concerns
Greetings! I’m an 18-year-old male, standing at 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighing 165 pounds. I currently do not take any medications but have a known allergy to penicillin. Additionally, I previously struggled with severe eczema. The issue began in late June when I first noticed impetigo appearing on my skin, and it has persisted ever since. Despite having completed a course of antibiotics and applying mupirocin, which is now running low, the situation has deteriorated after stopping the antibiotic treatment. What’s worse is that my left elbow has developed into an extensive rash or sore, and it seems that my right elbow might follow suit. Unfortunately, mupirocin hasn’t proven effective against the sores. I’m seeking advice on the next steps I should take to address this issue.
Answers (1)
8/3/2025, 7:30:59 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're dealing with a challenging situation with persistent impetigo and worsening skin issues on your elbows. Since you have completed a course of antibiotics and mupirocin hasn't been effective, it's crucial to take the next steps to manage this condition effectively.
Main Points:
- Persistent Skin Infection: Your impetigo has not improved with the current treatment and has spread.
- Potential for Resistance or Complications: The lack of improvement might indicate antibiotic resistance or another underlying skin issue.
- Need for New Treatment Strategy: It's important to consider alternative treatments or evaluations.
Explanation:
Impetigo is a bacterial skin infection that can sometimes require more than one treatment course, especially if the bacteria are resistant to the initial antibiotics prescribed. Because you are experiencing worsening symptoms, this could suggest either an ineffective treatment or another underlying skin condition that might complicate the impetigo.
Next Steps:
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Discontinue Mupirocin: Since it's not effective anymore, stop using mupirocin.
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Clean the Affected Areas: Gently wash the sores with mild soap and water twice a day. Pat them dry and avoid touching them to prevent further irritation and spreading.
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Consider Over-the-Counter Treatments: You might try using an antiseptic ointment without antibiotics to help protect the skin. Look for products that do not contain penicillin.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on your skin condition. Look out for significant redness, swelling, or pus, and note if fever or increased pain develops.
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Switch Antibiotics (if needed): If you have had a previous skin culture and it indicates a specific type of bacteria, it may be time to switch to a different antibiotic. Consult a healthcare provider for guidance on non-penicillin options.
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Seek Healthcare Advice: Given the duration and severity of your situation, it’s important to reach out to a healthcare professional for a thorough examination. They may consider other treatments, including different antibiotics, or evaluate for potential eczema flare-ups or other skin conditions exacerbating the issue.
In the meantime, try to avoid scratching the affected areas, as this can worsen the sores and potentially spread the infection. Keep the damaged skin moisturized with non-irritating creams if safe for you to do so.
Feel free to reach out if you have further questions or need support!
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