Following a penicillin allergy, what alternative antibiotic is often considered for skin infections?

In cases of penicillin allergy, clindamycin is often considered a suitable alternative for treating skin infections. This is due to its efficacy against common skin pathogens, including Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes, which are frequently responsible for skin infections such as cellulitis and abscesses. Clindamycin’s mechanism of action as a lincosamide antibiotic means it inhibits protein synthesis in bacteria, making it effective in combatting these types of infections.

Moreover, clindamycin has a favorable profile in patients with a history of penicillin allergy because it is structurally distinct and does not cross-react with penicillins or cephalosporins. This is crucial for patients who have experienced allergic reactions to penicillins, as it minimizes the risk of similar adverse reactions occurring with their treatment.

While vancomycin is also effective for skin infections, it is generally reserved for more severe or resistant infections, particularly those caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). It is not the first choice for routine skin infections due to its spectrum of activity and potential side effects. Cephalexin, being a cephalosporin, may have a cross-reactivity risk for