
Is Antibiotics For Three Days Enough To Treat Intermittent Abscess/ Pimples On My Scalp?

Question: I have had abscess/pimples on my scalp on and off for some time. I had one cultured because my lymphnodes were inflammed and it came back as serratia mercasens. I took antibiotics for three days. Is this enough for this bacteria? Everything I'm reading says this bacteria is rare and dangerous. Is that true? Should I be okay now?
Brief Answer:
One week course is more preferable
Detailed Answer:
Hello Sir
I can certainly understand your concern
I have worked through your attached query in detail.
Nothing to worry much about this bacterium. Its not rare and dangerous. Its a commensal and may grow in larger numbers sometimes. It can be controlled with adequate dose of antibiotics.
Instead of 3 days, it's advisable to go for 1 week course of antibiotics for complete elimination of microorganisms.
If your symptoms have disappeared, then you should be ok now.
Post your further queries if any
Thank you
One week course is more preferable
Detailed Answer:
Hello Sir
I can certainly understand your concern
I have worked through your attached query in detail.
Nothing to worry much about this bacterium. Its not rare and dangerous. Its a commensal and may grow in larger numbers sometimes. It can be controlled with adequate dose of antibiotics.
Instead of 3 days, it's advisable to go for 1 week course of antibiotics for complete elimination of microorganisms.
If your symptoms have disappeared, then you should be ok now.
Post your further queries if any
Thank you
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj


Brief Answer:
No specific observations required
Detailed Answer:
Hello Sir,
No major issues arise with this as stated earlier.
No specific precautions or observations required.
Post your further queries if any
Thank you
No specific observations required
Detailed Answer:
Hello Sir,
No major issues arise with this as stated earlier.
No specific precautions or observations required.
Post your further queries if any
Thank you
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee


Thank you for your responses. My apologies as it is frightening for me with a newborn at home. I don't want to pass anything to her.
So are you telling me that the bacteria, serratia mercances, is not dangerous and is common as a skin infection on ones scalp? I am just worried as this is not what I am seeing online
Thank you
So are you telling me that the bacteria, serratia mercances, is not dangerous and is common as a skin infection on ones scalp? I am just worried as this is not what I am seeing online
Thank you
Brief Answer:
Nothing to worry much
Detailed Answer:
Hello Ma'am
I can certainly understand your concern.
Serratia marcesans does not cause skin Infection often.
It causes mainly opportunitistic infections, that is Infection in immunocompromised states.
Oral antibiotic therapy with Aminoglycoside group of antibiotics will help in effective clearance of this organism.
With regards to the skin Infection, it's very uncommon for spread between people.
Nothing to worry much. Just ensure adequate duration of treatment with appropriate antibiotics.
Post your further queries if any
Thank you
Nothing to worry much
Detailed Answer:
Hello Ma'am
I can certainly understand your concern.
Serratia marcesans does not cause skin Infection often.
It causes mainly opportunitistic infections, that is Infection in immunocompromised states.
Oral antibiotic therapy with Aminoglycoside group of antibiotics will help in effective clearance of this organism.
With regards to the skin Infection, it's very uncommon for spread between people.
Nothing to worry much. Just ensure adequate duration of treatment with appropriate antibiotics.
Post your further queries if any
Thank you
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T

Answered by

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
