Private Skin Infection Treatment in London – Consultant Dermatologist
From localised impetigo or infected eczema to recurrent folliculitis, our consultant-led care targets the exact cause and supports recovery quickly. Learn more about the basics on our Skin Infection page.
Consultant Dermatologist-led • CQC-regulated • Maida Vale, London
Skin Infection Treatment: At a Glance
- Best for: Impetigo, infected eczema, bacterial/yeast folliculitis, localised cellulitis (post-assessment)
- Causes: Bacteria (incl. staph), yeast (Malassezia), friction/shaving, sweat/occlusion, skin barrier breakdown
- Core tools: Targeted prescription topicals; short oral antibiotics only when indicated; gentle cleansing
- Adjuncts: Medical-grade LED for comfort/recovery alongside prescriptions
- Onset: Tenderness/redness often ease within days; resolution typically progresses over 1–2 weeks
- Urgent care: Rapid spread, severe pain, high fever, peri-orbital swelling, red streaks up limb
Introduction
Skin infections can be uncomfortable, tender and sometimes rapidly spreading. Because the causes vary — bacteria, yeast, minor trauma, shaving friction, eczema breakdown — the plan must match the organism, site and severity. We diagnose precisely, start targeted medical therapy, and give clear, written home-care steps.
Ready to treat the infection quickly and protect your skin as it heals?
What Is a Skin Infection?
A skin infection occurs when microbes (commonly bacteria or yeast) invade the skin, often through tiny breaks or friction points, causing redness, tenderness, swelling, crusting or pus. It may occur on its own or complicate conditions like eczema or shaving-related irritation. Correct identification matters — bacterial folliculitis differs from yeast-related folliculitis.
We also consider look-alikes such as non-infective folliculitis, contact dermatitis and ingrown hairs — ensuring you get the right plan, not just a “generic antibiotic.”
Diagnosis & Assessment at Skinhorizon
- Consultant review: lesion type (pustules, crust, cellulitis), distribution, severity, pain and systemic symptoms.
- History & triggers: shaving method, occlusive clothing, gym/sweat, scratching from itch, recent travel or pool/sauna use.
- Wood’s lamp: UV light can highlight certain bacterial and fungal infections to help differentiate quickly.
- Micro considerations: bacterial vs yeast; swabs/microscopy if recurrent or atypical.
- Comorbid skin: eczema, acne, psoriasis — protect the barrier to prevent re-infection.
- Scarring/PIH risk: prevention advice, especially in skin of colour.
Personalised Treatment Options We Offer
Topical Treatment
Targeted prescription topicals can settle localised infections and reduce spread while protecting surrounding skin. We specify site, amount and duration, and pair with gentle cleansing. For infected eczema, we restore the barrier to cut itch–scratch cycles.
Oral Antibiotics (when indicated)
If infection is widespread, painful or involves deeper skin (e.g., cellulitis), a short, time-limited antibiotic course may be required. We prescribe appropriately after assessment, review progress, and stop once control is achieved. We avoid unnecessary antibiotics and provide clear safety advice.
LED Phototherapy (Adjunct)
Medical-grade LED uses specific wavelengths to support skin recovery and comfort. We schedule sessions alongside your medical treatment to calm inflammation with no downtime. Learn more on our LED Phototherapy page.
Your Care Journey at Skinhorizon
- Confirm the cause: clinical diagnosis ± swab/microscopy for recurrent/atypical cases.
- Start targeted therapy: prescription topicals or oral antibiotics where indicated; written instructions provided.
- Adjunct support: LED sessions as appropriate; barrier care for surrounding skin.
- Prevent recurrence: address triggers (shaving technique, sweat/occlusion), product swaps, hygiene guidance.
- Review: check response; taper/stop medicines; plan maintenance if prone to recurrences.
Special Situations We Consider
- Recurrent folliculitis: refine shaving routine, fabrics, gym hygiene; consider culture/antimicrobial strategy.
- Infected eczema: combine antimicrobial steps with barrier repair and itch control.
- Skin of colour: reduce PIH risk with gentle routines and sun protection guidance.
- Medical conditions/medicines: diabetes, immunosuppression, steroids — plan safely and liaise with your GP.
Self-Care, Triggers & Daily Habits
Shower promptly after sweat; avoid sharing towels/razors; wear breathable fabrics; switch to fragrance-aware skincare; reduce friction on affected areas. For shaving bumps, use short, light strokes with a sharp razor and shave in the direction of hair growth.
Daily Skin Routine (During Infection & Recovery)
Keep routines simple and soothing around infected areas; follow your prescription exactly on treated sites. Avoid harsh scrubs and new actives until skin settles.
Morning (AM)
- Cleanse (gentle): CB Baby Cleansing Bar • CB Calendula Cleansing Bar
- Moisturise surrounding skin: DP Exo-Skin Moisturiser 30 ml (avoid maceration on open/weeping areas)
- Protect exposed skin: CF SPF Clear / CF SPF Gold / CF SPF Bronze (daily, if face/neck involved)
Evening (PM)
- Cleanse again (lukewarm): CB Baby or CB Calendula
- Comfort: DP Exo-Skin Moisturiser 30 ml to non-treated surrounding skin; follow medical instructions for prescription areas.
Shaving, Body & Gym Tips
- Shave with hair direction using short strokes and minimal pressure; use a clean, sharp blade.
- Change out of sweaty clothes quickly; wash gym wear hot; don’t share towels/razors.
- Avoid tight straps on affected areas to reduce friction.
Safety & Potential Risks
We choose the least-burdensome effective plan and review progress. Topicals are site-matched to minimise irritation; antibiotics are short and supervised. LED sessions are well-tolerated and timed alongside your prescription routine. We provide clear red-flag guidance so you know when to seek urgent care.
Expected Outcomes
Many patients feel reduced tenderness and see less redness within days of starting targeted treatment; visible improvement typically continues over 1–2 weeks. Recurrence risk falls when triggers are addressed and a simple maintenance routine is in place.
Patient Experience
“The bumps on my thighs cleared once we changed my shaving routine and started the right treatment — it hasn’t come straight back this time.”
— Verified Skinhorizon skin-infection patient
Why Choose Skinhorizon for Skin Infection Care?
- Consultant-led: precise diagnosis (bacterial vs yeast vs mimics) and targeted therapy.
- Clear written regimen: exact application sites, dosing and duration; red-flag checklist.
- On-site support: medical-grade LED to aid recovery and comfort where appropriate.
- Holistic prevention: shaving/sweat/occlusion strategies and product swaps to reduce recurrences.
- Regulated setting: CQC-regulated processes and medical-grade equipment.
Book Your Consultation
Start a targeted plan to clear infection and protect your skin long-term.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all skin infections need antibiotics?
How quickly will treatment work?
Can I go to the gym with a skin infection?
Is LED phototherapy safe during an infection?
When should I seek urgent care?
This page was reviewed by Dr Mohammad Ghazavi, Consultant Dermatologist, last updated August 2025.
Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Individual results vary, and all medical and aesthetic procedures carry risks and potential complications which will be fully discussed during your consultation. Suitability for treatment can only be determined following an in-person assessment with a qualified healthcare professional at Skinhorizon Clinic.