Home Treatment Guidelines

Use rubbing alcohol on small pimples twice a day to dry out the early lesions.

DO NOT attempt to "pop" larger lesions. This will increase the size due to skin trauma.

Incision and drainage by a physician is required for abcesses 2 or more centimeters in size (1 inch).

Progressive soft tissue infection (cellulitis) and multicentric outbreaks with severity require oral or IV antibiotics.

Exquisite hand hygiene, control of drainage and avoidance of damage to hair follicles(ie: shaving and plucking of hairs on legs and in the nose) is required to prevent spread of infection

Nasal antibiotic ointment may help nasal carriers (ie: Bactroban). This is determined by culture.

Bathing or showering with an antiseptic scrub (ie: Phisohex) may be required before surgery or during extensive outbreaks. Note that Phisohex is contra-indicated for infants and children.