Keflex for Boils: Cephalexin Effectiveness in Treating Skin Infections

25.10.202112.07.2023 by alexxlab

How effective is Keflex (cephalexin) for treating boils and skin infections. What are the benefits and side effects of using cephalexin for soft tissue infections. Is cephalexin the best antibiotic choice for treating staph-related skin abscesses.

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Understanding Cephalexin (Keflex) for Skin Infections

Cephalexin, commonly known by the brand name Keflex, is an antibiotic frequently prescribed for treating various bacterial infections, including skin and soft tissue infections like boils. As a first-generation cephalosporin, it’s effective against many common bacteria that cause skin infections, particularly Staphylococcus aureus.

Based on user reviews, cephalexin has an average rating of 6.3 out of 10 for treating skin or soft tissue infections, with 52% of reviewers reporting a positive experience. This indicates that while it’s effective for many patients, individual responses can vary.

Efficacy of Cephalexin in Treating Boils

Boils are typically caused by Staphylococcus aureus bacteria infecting a hair follicle or oil gland. Cephalexin is often prescribed for this type of infection due to its effectiveness against staph bacteria. Its ability to penetrate skin tissues makes it a suitable choice for treating localized skin infections like boils.

Do antibiotics always cure boils? While antibiotics like cephalexin can be effective, treatment often involves a combination of approaches. In many cases, minor surgical drainage of the boil is necessary alongside antibiotic therapy to ensure complete resolution of the infection.

Advantages of Using Cephalexin for Boils

Broad-spectrum activity against many skin infection-causing bacteria
Good tissue penetration
Generally well-tolerated with fewer side effects compared to some other antibiotics
Available in both oral and topical forms
Relatively inexpensive compared to newer antibiotics

Cephalexin Dosage and Administration for Skin Infections

The typical dosage of cephalexin for skin infections in adults ranges from 250 to 500 mg taken orally every 6 hours, or 500 mg to 1 gram every 12 hours. However, the exact dosage and duration of treatment can vary based on the severity of the infection and individual patient factors.

How long should you take cephalexin for a skin infection? Most treatment courses last 7 to 14 days, but your healthcare provider will determine the appropriate duration based on your specific condition and response to treatment.

Important Considerations When Taking Cephalexin

Complete the full course of antibiotics as prescribed, even if symptoms improve
Take the medication at evenly spaced intervals to maintain consistent blood levels
Inform your doctor of any allergies, especially to penicillin or other beta-lactam antibiotics
Discuss any other medications or supplements you’re taking to avoid potential interactions
Stay hydrated and consider taking probiotics to support gut health during antibiotic treatment

Potential Side Effects and Precautions

While cephalexin is generally well-tolerated, it can cause side effects in some individuals. Common side effects may include:

Nausea and vomiting
Diarrhea
Stomach pain
Headache
Dizziness
Skin rash or itching

Can cephalexin cause serious side effects? In rare cases, more severe reactions can occur, such as severe allergic reactions, Clostridium difficile infection, or kidney problems. It’s crucial to seek medical attention if you experience any unusual or severe symptoms while taking cephalexin.

Comparing Cephalexin to Other Antibiotics for Skin Infections

While cephalexin is a common choice for treating skin infections, other antibiotics may be prescribed depending on factors such as the specific bacteria involved, local resistance patterns, and individual patient characteristics.

Alternative Antibiotics for Skin Infections

Dicloxacillin
Amoxicillin-clavulanate
Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole
Doxycycline
Clindamycin

Is cephalexin more effective than other antibiotics for skin infections? The effectiveness can vary depending on the specific infection and bacterial strain. In some cases, cephalexin may be preferred due to its broad spectrum of activity and good tissue penetration. However, for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections, alternative antibiotics like trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole or doxycycline might be more appropriate.

Patient Experiences and Reviews of Cephalexin for Skin Infections

User reviews of cephalexin for skin and soft tissue infections reveal a range of experiences. While many patients report positive outcomes, some have experienced side effects or found the treatment ineffective for their particular infection.

What do patients say about using cephalexin for boils? Many users report that cephalexin helped reduce inflammation and pain associated with their boils, leading to faster healing. However, some patients experienced gastrointestinal side effects or found that their infection required additional treatment beyond antibiotics alone.

Positive Review Examples

“Cephalexin cleared up my painful boil within a week. I experienced minor stomach upset but overall found it effective.”
“After trying over-the-counter treatments, cephalexin finally helped resolve my recurring skin infections.”

Negative Review Examples

“I had to stop taking cephalexin due to severe diarrhea. My doctor switched me to a different antibiotic.”
“The cephalexin didn’t seem to affect my boil at all. I ended up needing it surgically drained.”

Preventing Recurrent Skin Infections and Boils

While antibiotics like cephalexin can effectively treat active infections, preventing recurrence is equally important. Implementing good hygiene practices and addressing underlying risk factors can help reduce the likelihood of developing future boils or skin infections.

Prevention Strategies

Practice good personal hygiene, including regular handwashing and showering
Keep cuts, scrapes, and other wounds clean and covered
Avoid sharing personal items like towels, razors, or clothing
Wash clothes, bedding, and towels regularly in hot water
Maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle to support your immune system
Consider using antibacterial soap or body wash if you’re prone to recurrent infections

Can lifestyle changes prevent the need for antibiotics like cephalexin? While not guaranteed, implementing these preventive measures can significantly reduce your risk of developing skin infections, potentially decreasing your reliance on antibiotic treatments.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Skin Infections

While minor skin infections may resolve on their own or with over-the-counter treatments, certain signs and symptoms warrant medical attention and potentially antibiotic treatment with medications like cephalexin.

Signs You Should See a Doctor

Fever or chills accompanying the skin infection
Rapidly spreading redness or swelling
Severe pain or tenderness around the infected area
Pus or other drainage from the site
A boil larger than 2 inches in diameter
Boils that occur on the face or spine
Recurrent boils or skin infections
No improvement after a few days of home treatment

Should you attempt to drain a boil at home? It’s generally not recommended to lance or squeeze a boil yourself, as this can potentially spread the infection or introduce new bacteria. If a boil requires drainage, it’s best to have this done by a healthcare professional under sterile conditions.

The Role of Antibiotic Stewardship in Skin Infection Treatment

While antibiotics like cephalexin play a crucial role in treating skin infections, their overuse can contribute to antibiotic resistance. Antibiotic stewardship involves using these medications judiciously to ensure their continued effectiveness for future patients.

Principles of Antibiotic Stewardship

Prescribing antibiotics only when necessary and appropriate
Choosing the right antibiotic for the specific infection
Using the correct dosage and duration of treatment
Considering local resistance patterns when selecting antibiotics
Educating patients on proper antibiotic use and the risks of misuse

How does antibiotic stewardship affect the use of cephalexin for skin infections? Healthcare providers may reserve cephalexin and other antibiotics for more severe infections or cases where bacterial involvement is clear, opting for watchful waiting or topical treatments for minor skin irritations.

Complementary Treatments for Skin Infections

While antibiotics like cephalexin are often necessary for treating skin infections, complementary treatments can support healing and provide symptomatic relief. These approaches can be used alongside prescribed antibiotics but should not replace them without medical advice.

Supportive Treatments for Skin Infections

Warm compresses to promote drainage and relieve pain
Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen
Topical antiseptics to keep the area clean
Tea tree oil as a natural antimicrobial (with caution and dilution)
Proper wound care and dressing changes
Boosting overall immune health through diet and lifestyle

Can natural remedies replace antibiotics for treating boils? While some natural treatments may offer benefits, they generally shouldn’t replace prescribed antibiotics for significant skin infections. Always consult with a healthcare provider before substituting or combining treatments.

In conclusion, cephalexin (Keflex) remains an important tool in treating skin and soft tissue infections, including boils. Its effectiveness, combined with a generally favorable side effect profile, makes it a common choice among healthcare providers. However, proper use, consideration of individual patient factors, and adherence to antibiotic stewardship principles are crucial for optimal outcomes and preserving antibiotic efficacy for future needs.

Cephalexin User Reviews for Skin or Soft Tissue Infection

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Brand names:
Keflex

Cephalexin
has an average rating of 6.3 out of 10 from a total of 133 reviews
for the
treatment of Skin or Soft Tissue Infection.
52% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 32% reported a negative experience.

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Cephalexin rating summary

6.3/10 average rating

133 ratings from 147 user reviews.

Compare all 136 medications used in the treatment of Skin or Soft Tissue Infection.

10		29%
9		13%
8		10%
7		5%
6		5%
5		5%
4		2%
3		6%
2		9%
1		17%

Reviews for Cephalexin

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Medically reviewed by Lindsay Slowiczek, PharmD — By Scott Frothingham — Updated on May 8, 2023

Most boils are caused by the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus. Doctors typically prescribe antibiotics to treat this kind of infection. Over-the-counter boil medications provide pain relief, not treatment.

When bacteria infect and inflame a hair follicle, a painful pus-filled bump can form under your skin. This infected bump is a boil, also known as a furuncle, and it will grow larger and more painful until it ruptures and drains.

Most boils can be treated with a minor surgical procedure that includes opening and draining it. Sometimes you may need antibiotics to deal with the underlying infection.

The majority of boils are caused by the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, also known as staph. To fight this infection, your doctor might prescribe oral, topical, or intravenous antibiotics, such as:

amikacin
amoxicillin (Amoxil, Moxatag)
ampicillin
cefazolin (Ancef, Kefzol)
cefotaxime
ceftriaxone
cephalexin (Keflex)
clindamycin (Cleocin, Benzaclin, Veltin)
doxycycline (Doryx, Oracea, Vibramycin)
erythromycin (Erygel, Eryped)
gentamicin (Gentak)
levofloxacin (Levaquin)
mupirocin (Centany)
sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim (Bactrim, Septra)
tetracycline

The antibiotic your doctor will prescribe is based on your specific situation.

Not every antibiotic is going to work for you because some varieties — there are over 30 types — of staph have become resistant to certain antibiotics.

Before prescribing antibiotics, your doctor might suggest sending a sample of pus from the boil to a lab to determine the antibiotic that would be most effective.

Most over-the-counter (OTC) boil medications are focused on pain relief. There are no OTC antibiotics appropriate for treating a boil.

According to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology, using OTC antibiotic ointment — such as Neosporin, bacitracin, or Polysporin — on your boil is ineffective because the medication won’t penetrate the infected skin.

If the antibiotic is doing its job, you’ll start to feel better. Once you feel better, you might consider stopping the medication. You shouldn’t stop or you might get sick again.

Whenever you’re prescribed an oral antibiotic, take it as directed and finish all of the medication. If you stop taking it too soon, the antibiotic might not have killed all the bacteria.

If that happens, not only could you get sick again, but the remaining bacteria might become resistant to that antibiotic. Also, have your doctor review signs and symptoms that your infection is getting worse.

A boil can be painful and unsightly. It might require antibiotics as well as minor surgery to open and drain. If you have a boil or group of boils, consult your doctor or dermatologist to determine the steps that should be taken to properly heal the area.

One universal rule you’ll hear from all medical professionals is to not pick at, squeeze, or use a sharp object to release the fluid and pus in a boil. Among other complications, this can spread the infection.

Last medically reviewed on September 13, 2018

How we reviewed this article:

Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Boils. (n.d.).
aocd.org/page/Boils
Boils & carbuncles. (2016).
my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15153-boils–carbuncles
Boils and carbuncles: How are boils treated? (2018).
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0099526/
Harvard Medical School. (2015). Boils and carbuncles.
health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/boils-and-carbuncles-
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2017). Staph infections.
mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/staph-infections/symptoms-causes/syc-20356221
Questions over advice to finish courses of antibiotics. (2017).
nhs.uk/news/medication/questions-over-advice-to-finish-courses-of-antibiotics/
Singer AJ, et al. (2014). Systemic antibiotics after incision and drainage of simple abscesses: a meta-analysis. DOI:
10.1136/emermed-2013-202571
Staphylococcal infections. (2018).
medlineplus. gov/staphylococcalinfections.html

Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

Current Version

May 8, 2023

Written By

Scott Frothingham

Edited By

Willow Banks

Sep 13, 2018

Medically Reviewed By

Lindsay Slowiczek, PharmD

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Medically reviewed by Lindsay Slowiczek, PharmD — By Scott Frothingham — Updated on May 8, 2023

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Jul 12, 2023

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Contents

Antibiotics for boils
Which antibiotic is best for boils?
How about over-the-counter boil remedies?
Do I have to take all antibiotics?
Conclusion

What is a boil?

When bacteria infect and inflame the hair follicle, a painful, pus-filled bump can form under the skin. This infected bump is a furuncle, also known as a furuncle, and it will enlarge and become more painful until it bursts and dwindles.

Most boils can be treated with a minor surgical procedure that involves opening and draining. Sometimes you may need antibiotics to fight the underlying infection.

Antibiotics for boils

Most boils are caused by bacteria, also known as staphylococci. To fight this infection, your doctor may prescribe oral, topical, or intravenous antibiotics, such as:

amikacin
amoxicillin (Amoxil, Moxatag)
ampicillin
cefazolin (Ancef, Kefzol)
cefotaxime
ceftriaxone
cephalexin (Keflex)
clindamycin (Cleocin) , Benzacline, Veltin)
doxycycline (Dorix, Oracea, Vibramycin)
erythromycin (Erygel, Eryped )
gentamicin (Gentak)
levofloxacin (Levaquin)
mupirocin (Centany)
sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim (Bactrim, Septra)
tetracycline

Which antibiotic is better for boils?

The antibiotic your doctor prescribes depends on your specific situation.

Not every antibiotic is right for you, because some strains of staph—there are more than 30 species—have become resistant to certain antibiotics.

Before prescribing antibiotics, your doctor may suggest sending a sample of pus from the boil to a laboratory to determine the most effective antibiotic.

How about over-the-counter boil remedies?

Most over-the-counter (OTC) boil medications are designed to relieve pain. There are no over-the-counter antibiotics suitable for the treatment of a boil.

According to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology, over-the-counter antibiotic ointments such as neosporin, bacitracin, or polysporin are not effective for boils because the drug does not penetrate infected skin.

Do I have to take all antibiotics?

If the antibiotic does its job, you will feel better. Once you feel better, you may want to consider stopping your medication. You must not stop, otherwise you may get sick again.

Whenever you are prescribed an oral antibiotic, take it as directed and finish all of your medicine. If you stop taking it too soon, the antibiotic may not kill all bacteria.

If this happens, not only can you get sick again, but the remaining bacteria can become resistant to this antibiotic. Also, ask your doctor to review signs and symptoms that indicate a worsening infection.

Conclusion

A boil can be painful and unsightly. Opening and drainage may require antibiotics, as well as minor surgery. If you have a boil or group of boils, consult your doctor or dermatologist to determine the steps you need to take to heal the area properly.

One universal rule that you will hear from all medical professionals is not to pick, squeeze, or use a sharp object to release fluid and pus from a boil. Among other complications, this can lead to the spread of infection.

Health

What to drink to prevent boils?

Turmeric’s antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties can help heal boils and get rid of them quickly. You can take Turmeric , use it topically to treat boils or both. To swallow it, boil a teaspoon of turmeric powder in water or milk, then let cool. Drink the mixture three times a day.

Therefore, how can I stop getting boils? However, you can prevent boils if:

Avoid close contact with someone who has a staph infection, boil or carbuncle.
Wash your hands frequently with antibacterial soaps and gels, which can help prevent the spread of bacteria.
Bathe regularly with soap.
Do not share or reuse washcloths, towels or sheets.

Do boils really arise from being dirty?

Boils are caused by bacteria, most commonly Staphylococcus aureus (staph infection). In many people, these bacteria are found on the skin or, for example, in the mucous membrane of the nostrils, and they do not cause any problems.

What is the main cause of boils? Most boils are caused by Staphylococcus aureus, a type of bacteria commonly found on the skin and inside the nose. When pus accumulates under the skin, a bump forms. Boils sometimes develop in places where the skin has been broken as a result of a minor injury or insect bite, making it easier for bacteria to enter.

Then why do I keep getting boils all over my body?

Recurring boils may indicate an infection with MRSA or an increase in other types of staphylococcal bacteria in the body. If you have multiple boils in one place, you may be developing a carbuncle. See your doctor about carbuncle. This may be a sign of a larger infection in the body.

Contents

Why do I often get boils?

Recurring boils may indicate an MRSA infection or an increase in other types of staph bacteria in the body. If you have multiple boils in one place, you may be developing a carbuncle. See your doctor about carbuncle. This may be a sign of a larger infection in the body.

Which ointment is good for boils?

To fight this infection, your doctor may prescribe oral, topical, or intravenous antibiotics, such as:

amikacin.
amoxicillin (Amoxil, Moxatag)
ampicillin.
cefazolin (Anzef, Kefzol)
cefotaxime.
ceftriaxone.
cephalexin (Keflex)
clindamycin (Cleocin, Benzacline, Veltin)

Can boils cause nausea?

If you have a boil or carbuncle, you may also have a fever and feel unwell.

How to ripen a boil faster?

Place a warm, damp cloth over the boil for about 20 minutes three or four times a day. This will help bring the boil to the head. A boil may open on its own after about 1 week of treatment.

What is the solid inside a boil?

A boil is a common, painful infection of the hair follicle and surrounding skin. It starts as a red bump, then fills with pus as white blood cells rush in to fight the infection. Good home care will often help get rid of a single boil, also known as a skin abscess.

How long do boils last?

Boils may take 1 to 3 weeks to heal. In most cases, a boil will not heal until it opens and drains. This may take up to a week. A carbuncle often requires medical attention.

What disease causes recurring boils?

Hidradenitis suppurativa, also known as acne inverse, is a chronic skin disease characterized by recurring boil-like skin lesions (nodules) under the skin. The nodules become inflamed and painful. They tend to rupture (rupture), causing abscesses that ooze fluid and pus.

Can a boil cause nausea?

If you have a boil or carbuncle, you may also have a fever and feel unwell.

How to stop the spread of a boil?

How to prevent the spread of boils?

Wash your hands frequently.
Do not touch the infected area more than necessary.
Do not share towels, razors or washcloths.
Cover the wound with a clean dressing.
Do not attempt to burst a boil or cut it open (cut with a sharp instrument) at home.

Should a boil be covered?

Use a cover or bandage

To help the boil heal faster, try to keep it covered. After you wash the boil and the area around it, apply a clean bandage to keep it covered and protected. You can use a bandage or gauze.

Which antibiotic kills boils?

Some of the antibiotics doctors most commonly use to treat boils include:

ceftaroline.
daptomycin.
oxacillin.
vancomycin.
telavancin.
tigecycline.

Why do I keep getting boils on my buttocks?

Causes and risk factors

Bacterial infections are the most common cause of boils on the buttocks. Staphylococcus aureus is usually the bacterium that causes boils. This bacterium often lives on the skin or in the nose. Skin folds are a frequent site of abscesses.

How to get rid of boils overnight?

You can make a warm compress by soaking a washcloth in warm water and squeezing out excess moisture. When the boil starts to drain, wash it with antibacterial soap until all the pus is gone and rub it with rubbing alcohol. Apply a healing ointment (topical antibiotic) and bandage.

Can boils cause death?

If boils collect together or form lesions deep under the skin (cellulitis), they can burst and spread into the bloodstream. If left untreated, bacterial infections of the bloodstream can cause organ failure, sepsis, coma, toxic shock syndrome, and ultimately death.

Which antibiotic is best for boils?

Most boils are caused by the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, also known as staphylococcus aureus.