Skin Infections
Skin Infections can range from mild irritations to more serious bacterial or fungal conditions. Appropriate skin infection treatments are available through Chemist Doctor after consultation with UK-registered practitioners. We offer both topical and oral solutions.
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Fusidic Acid Cream
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Table of Contents
- What Causes Skin Infections?
- Recognising Skin Infection Symptoms
- When to Seek Professional Treatment
- Preventing Skin Infections
- Clinical Diagnosis of Skin Infections
- Skin Infection Treatment Approaches
- Preventing Skin Infections: NHS Strategies
- Where Can I Buy Skin Infection Treatment Online
- Skin Infection FAQs
Skin infections affect millions annually but can often be managed effectively with proper care. Our Online Doctor services provide convenient access to UK-registered GPs for professional guidance.
What Causes Skin Infections? Understanding Pathogen Entry Points
Skin infections occur when harmful microorganisms breach your body's primary defence - the epidermis. Three main pathogen types account for most cases:
- Bacterial infections (e.g., Cellulitis from Streptococcus)
- Viral infections (Herpes simplex causing cold sores)
- Fungal infections (Candida leading to intertrigo)
Breach mechanisms include:
- Open wounds or surgical incisions
- Insect bites compromising skin integrity
- Chronic conditions like eczema creating micro-tears
Recognising Skin Infection Symptoms: 7 Key Clinical Signs
Monitor affected areas for these progression markers (NICE guidelines):
- Progressive erythema - Redness spreading >2cm from wound edges
- Purulent discharge - Yellow/green pus with distinct odour
- Lymphangitis streaks - Red lines moving towards lymph nodes
When to Seek Professional Skin Infection Treatment
Immediate consultation required if experiencing:
- Fever ≥38°C with chills
- Rapid symptom progression (worsening within 12 hours)
- Comorbidities like diabetes or immunosuppression
Our Skin Infection Consultation Service offers:
- Same-day prescription decisions
- Antibiotic stewardship guidance
- Referral pathways for complex cases
Preventing Skin Infections: Evidence-Based Strategies
Hygiene Protocol
- Clean wounds immediately with sterile saline
- Apply topical antiseptics like chlorhexidine
Lifestyle Modifications
- Maintain optimal blood glucose levels (HbA1c ≤48mmol/mol)
- Use moisture-wicking fabrics to prevent maceration
All treatments prescribed by UK-registered doctors | MHRA-approved medications | Discreet packaging
Clinical Diagnosis of Skin Infections: 4-Pathogen Identification
UK GPs use NICE-approved diagnostic protocols to differentiate infection types:
Pathogen Type | Common Presentations | Diagnostic Features | First-Line Treatments |
---|---|---|---|
Fungal (Dermatophytes) | Interdigital maceration, annular lesions | KOH microscopy, Wood's lamp examination | Topical azoles |
Bacterial (Staph/Strep) | Purulent discharge, lymphangitis | Gram stain, culture & sensitivity | Fusidic acid creams |
Viral (HSV, VZV) | Vesicular eruptions, dermatomal patterns | Tzanck smear, PCR testing | Oral antivirals (e.g. Aciclovir) |
Parasitic (Sarcoptes) | Burrows, nocturnal pruritus | Mineral oil microscopy | Permethrin 5% cream |
Skin Infection Treatment: Evidence-Based Therapeutic Approaches
Stepwise Management Protocol
- Assess infection severity using SIRS criteria
- Obtain microbiological samples when indicated
- Initiate empiric therapy based on local guidelines
- Review after 48-72 hours for clinical response
Same-day prescriptions available | MHRA-regulated medications | Discreet delivery
Targeted Antimicrobial Therapy
- Bacterial: 7-day courses of topical mupirocin for localised infections
- Fungal: 2-4 week terbinafine regimens with pH-balanced cleansers
- Viral: Systemic valaciclovir for immunocompromised patients
Preventing Skin Infections: NHS-Recommended Strategies
Skin Barrier Maintenance
- Moisturise with ceramide-containing emollients (x2 daily)
- Maintain skin pH 5.4-5.9 using acidic cleansers
Environmental Controls
- Disinfect high-touch surfaces with 70% ethanol solutions
- Wash linens at ≥60°C to eliminate pathogens
Important: Patients with recurrent infections (>3/year) require immunocompetency screening including:
- FBC with differential
- HIV serology
- HbA1c testing
Where Can I Buy Skin Infection Treatment Online in the UK
Secure Skin Infection Prescription & Next-Day Delivery Service
Order skin infection treatment with confidence through our UK-registered medical prescribers, who review all requests within 4 working hours. We guarantee same-day prescription approval for eligible patients and dispatch orders placed before 3pm for next-day tracked delivery.
Our skin infection service combines competitive pricing with strict adherence to MHRA safety standards, ensuring your medication is dispensed through GPhC-registered pharmacies. Every purchase includes:
- Discreet packaging with application instructions
- GDPR-compliant consultation
- Appropriate antibiotics (when clinically indicated)
Our skin infection clinical team ensures:
- Infection type assessment (bacterial, fungal or viral)
- Allergy screening (especially penicillin and sulfa drugs)
- Personalised treatment plan following NICE guidelines
Always consult your GP immediately for spreading redness, fever, or systemic symptoms. Not suitable for diabetic foot infections without specialist review.
![]() | Authored by Nabeel M |
Medical Content Manager & Pharmacy Associate
Nabeel is a co-founder of Chemist Doctor. He works closely with our medical team to ensure the information is accurate and up-to-date.
![]() | Reviewed by Usman M (2073618) |
Director & Superintendent Pharmacist
Usman is a co-founder, and superintendent pharmacist of Chemist Doctor. He leads the clinical team and online prescribing services, utilising his expertise.
Review Date: 17 April 2025
Next Review: 7 November 2025
Published on: 17 April 2025
Last Updated: 18 April 2025
Responsible Pharmacist
![]() | Usman Mir Superintendent GPhc: 2073618 |






Chemist Doctor is an online pharmacy and online doctor service, owned and operated by Chem Doc Ltd (Company Reg. 16478812). Prescriptions are managed by our sister company, Inspire Pharmacy (GPhC No. 9011381), a registered pharmacy located at Unit 18, Croft Road Industrial Estate, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire, ST5 0TW. The content on this website is for informational purposes only. It should support, not replace, advice from your healthcare provider. Always consult your doctor if you suspect a health issue or before beginning new medication. Ensure you read the leaflets provided with any medicines. For further details, visit our policies and terms & conditions at the bottom of each page.
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