Skin Infections

What type of skin conditions can be treated?

The Progressive Surgical Care staff is fully equipped to deal with a variety of complex skin infections, including:

Cellulitis

A common but serious bacterial infection that affects the deep layers of skin anywhere on the body, causing inflammation, redness, and tenderness.

Sebaceous cysts

A fluid-filled cyst that develops when sebaceous glands become blocked, usually affecting the upper back, chest, and face.

Hidradenitis suppurativa

An infection that develops in the sweat glands causing painful abscesses in areas like the armpit and groin or any other hair bearing area.

The medical team can evaluate other types of skin infections that might need treatment or surgery to prevent the spread of the infection and other health complications.

How are skin infections diagnosed?

In many cases, the Progressive Surgical Care team can diagnose skin infections based on a visual exam of the affected area. In some cases, blood work and/or other diagnostic testing is necessary to confirm a diagnosis.

Your Progressive Surgical Care physician also reviews your health history to determine if your skin condition is related to an underlying medical condition.

What treatments are available for skin infections?

If you have an abscess due to hidradenitis suppurativa, your Progressive Surgical Care physician first drains the abscess and prescribes antibiotics to eliminate active infections. Once the area has cleared, you’ll need to undergo surgery to remove the abscess cavity, sweat gland, or cyst and ensure your skin heals properly.

Treating sebaceous cysts depends on their size and site. If you have a cyst that becomes infected, drainage and antibiotics can be used to clear the infection before your surgeon removes the cyst.

For cellulitis, immediate medical care is necessary to ensure treatment success. Oral antibiotics and a care plan for open wounds that develop focus on eliminating the infection and reducing potentially life-threatening complications, including the spread of the infection into your lymph nodes and/or bloodstream. Infections complicated with MRSA are commonly treated at this office.

Following your treatment, the experienced physicians provide resources and home care information to prevent the infection’s return.

If you suspect you have a skin infection or have a bothersome cyst that won’t go away, don’t delay a medical evaluation. You can book an appointment online or by calling the office nearest you.