Ecthyma

Treatment:

Antibiotics to be taken by mouth may be prescribed. Warm soaks (using a cloth soaked in warm tap water) are helpful from removing crusts. Antiseptic soap or peroxide washes of the lesion may be helpful in reducing the infection.

Expectations (prognosis):

Full recovery is expected.

Complications:

• spread of infection to other parts of the body
• systemic infection leading to kidney failure (poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis)
• permanent skin damage with scarring

Calling your health care provider:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms indicating ecthyma are present.