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Dermatology (Expert Forum)
Facial staph infection
Answered by
Alan Rockoff, MD - dermatology, Child Skin Problems
The Rockoff Dermatology Center
Brookline - MA
This forum is for questions regarding Dermatology issues, such as: skin rashes, acne, birthmarks, skin infections, rosacea, and general skin care.
Facial staph infection
by singer11, Feb 17, 2004 12:00AM
i have a history of facial staph infections, and was recently rediagnosed with it - two small boils on my cheek. i was prescribed 500 mg keflex b.i.d. for five days (i asked for bactroban, as well, but the doctor said 'no'). at the time of diagnosis, i had already removed the hair follicle from each pustule (bad idea, i know) but the doctor didn't think it looked bad, thinking (i presume) that my early intervention with hydrogen peroxide had contained the infection. after 48 hours on the drug, as well as regular washings with hibiclens, and numerous direct applications of hydrogen peroxide and duac topical gel, i thought i had it under control as swelling had been reduced and there was no discharge.
also at the 48-hour point, i had 'sexual relations.' i took care to ensure that the infected area of my cheek did not come into contact with any skin. however, momentary, incidental contact probably did occur.
two days later (after four days on keflex), i removed a small scab from the only area that still showed signs of having ever been infected. a small amount pressure to the spot produced puss.
i am now concerned that the infection wasn't under so much control at the 48-hour mark as i had thought, and worry about what risks i might have exposed my partner to.
so, the question(s): would i have still been contagious after 48 hours on keflex? if so, what kind of risks might i have exposed my partner to (assuming skin-to-skin contact and/or mouth-to-skin contact), and how soon would they manifest? should i have my partner see a doctor about prophylaxis?
regards,
stressed out in jersey
also at the 48-hour point, i had 'sexual relations.' i took care to ensure that the infected area of my cheek did not come into contact with any skin. however, momentary, incidental contact probably did occur.
two days later (after four days on keflex), i removed a small scab from the only area that still showed signs of having ever been infected. a small amount pressure to the spot produced puss.
i am now concerned that the infection wasn't under so much control at the 48-hour mark as i had thought, and worry about what risks i might have exposed my partner to.
so, the question(s): would i have still been contagious after 48 hours on keflex? if so, what kind of risks might i have exposed my partner to (assuming skin-to-skin contact and/or mouth-to-skin contact), and how soon would they manifest? should i have my partner see a doctor about prophylaxis?
regards,
stressed out in jersey
Doctor's Answer
by Alan Rockoff, MD, Feb 18, 2004 12:00AM
, Feb 18, 2004 12:00AM
48 hours should have been more than enough to eliminate contagion, so I don't think you put your partner at any risk. Unless a visible skin change happens in the next couple of days, they should be OK. I don't think picking is such a good idea--it delays healing, but shouldn't prevent it.
Topical OTC bacitracin or neosporin should help. I can't think why your doctor would be reluctant to prescribe Bactroban....
Best.
Dr. Rockoff
Topical OTC bacitracin or neosporin should help. I can't think why your doctor would be reluctant to prescribe Bactroban....
Best.
Dr. Rockoff
Thanks