Hello; I Was Diagnosed With Staphylococcal On My Elbow. I

Posted on Sat, 15 Jun 2019

Question: Hello;
I was diagnosed with Staphylococcal on my elbow. I was prescribed Sulfamethoxazaole-Tmp DS. After reading the possible side effects I am too nervous to take it. I do have a very sensitive stomach and suffer periodically from IBS. I called and asked for something else so was prescribed clindamycin, which I have not picked up yet. Am somewhat nervous about that as well. This infection, so far, seems pretty mild, just a large red bump and maybe three small ones. they are not leaking, just itchy. Can it go away by itself? Is there anything more natural that can be done?

Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
there is no reason to avoid it

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Trimethoprim (TMP) - Sulfamethoxazole (SMX or SMZ) DS is a good choice for community acquired Staphylococcal infections. Its side effects are as scary as with almost any other antibiotic. Clindamycin is also a good choice for most Staphylococcal infections of the community.

These antibiotics have been extensively prescribed and used and we know that although there are some concerns, no clinician would hesitate to prescribe them when it is appropriate to do so.

Side effects is an acceptable risk when an antibiotic is clearly indicated. If you have doubts then you can visit another doctor for a second opinion.

Obviously I can't assess the lesions or suggest any treatment from afar. Since your doctor thought that a wait-and-see strategy is not appropriate, you'd better stick to his advice.

I hope I've answered your question. Please let me know if you need further assistance.

Kind Regards,
Dr Panagiotis Zografakis
Internal Medicine Specialist

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar