Ecthyma
Deep bacterial ulcers healed with correct antibiotic therapy.
Ecthyma is a deep bacterial skin infection — essentially impetigo that has extended into the dermis, producing punched-out ulcers under thick adherent crusts, usually on the legs.
- Always
- Culture
- 7–14 days
- Antibiotics
- 2–4 wks
- Healing
- Yes
- Follow-up
- Bacterial culture & sensitivity
- Systemic antibiotic therapy
- Wound debridement
- Antiseptic dressings
Diagnosed first, treated second.
Because it reaches the dermis it can scar, and it often signals a compromised barrier or immunity. Treatment requires systemic antibiotics guided by culture, alongside proper wound care.
- 01Bacterial culture & sensitivity
- 02Systemic antibiotic therapy
- 03Wound debridement
- 04Antiseptic dressings
- 05Host factor assessment
- Crusted ulcers on the legs
- Sores that will not heal
- Infection after insect bites or scratching
- Recurrent skin infections
- Diabetes or reduced immunity with skin sores
How the treatment works
A sequence, not a single appointment — each step informs the next.
- 01
Culture
A swab identifies the organism and its antibiotic sensitivities.
- 02
Debridement
Adherent crusts are softened and removed so treatment reaches the base.
- 03
Systemic therapy
Oral antibiotics are targeted to the cultured organism, not chosen empirically.
- 04
Host review
Nutrition, diabetes, circulation and immunity are checked to prevent recurrence.
Results measured, not promised.
What to expect
- 01Infection cleared at the correct depth
- 02Ulcers healed with minimal scarring
- 03Pain and discharge resolved
- 04Spread to others prevented
- 05Underlying risk factors corrected
Begin with a diagnosis,
not a guess.
Share a few details and the clinic will reply with available consultation times for ecthyma — one-to-one with Dr. Arely.
- Response
- Within 24 hours
- Consultation
- One-to-one, 45 min
- Assessment
- Trichoscopy included
- Location
- Dr. Arely Clinic
Frequently asked
Ecthyma extends into the dermis, so it ulcerates, heals more slowly and can scar.
Some scarring is common; early correct treatment keeps it to a minimum.
Yes. Direct contact precautions and household hygiene measures are advised.
Deep infection often reflects diabetes, poor circulation or reduced immunity.