Your doctor will usually prescribe antibiotics by mouth (oral antibiotics). Very early cases may be treated with topical medications. More advanced forms may need antibiotics given through a vein (intravenous antibiotics).

Placing a warm wet cloth over the area can help remove ulcer crusts. Your doctor may recommend antiseptic soap or peroxide washes to speed recovery.

Unlike impetigo, ecthyma can sometimes result in scarring.

• Spread of infection to other parts of the body
• Permanent skin damage with scarring

Make an appointment with your health care provider if you have symptoms of ecthyma.

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Ecthyma

Ecthyma gangrenosum

Review Date: 05/13/2011
Reviewed By: Kevin Berman, MD, PhD, Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Disease, Atlanta, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)