Pyoderma: Topical and Systemic Treatment

OVERVIEW OF THE ISSUE The appropriate management of superficial and deep pyoderma requires the use of both topical and systemic therapy. Topical therapy is often used as an adjunctive to systemic antibiotics because it will speed the healing process, aid in the elimination of bacterial byproducts and generally make the patient feel better. Topical therapy can also be used as a preventative therapy in cases prone to recurrences and can be beneficial in the management of Methicillin-resistant staphylococci (MRS) infections. Systemic antibiotic therapy is needed in most pyoderma cases; even the most superficial pyodermas are best treated by systemic therapy. Extended antibiotic protocols or “pulse therapies” are unfortunately needed in some cases of chronic recurrent pyoderma. Knowing when and how to use these extended pulse protocols is also critical to reduce the development of Methicillin-resistant staphylococci (MRS) infections.