If a patient has surface pyoderma only, does it need systemic antibiotics?

• A. Yes
• B. No
• C. Only if fever
• D. Only if worsening

Answer: (B)

Superficial pyoderma is confined to the outer layers of the skin, so it typically responds to topical treatment. Because the infection hasn’t penetrated deeper tissues or caused systemic illness, there’s no need for systemic antibiotics in most cases. Topical antibiotics (like mupirocin) are usually enough to clear the infection.

Systemic antibiotics would be considered only if the infection involves deeper tissues, is widespread, or there are systemic signs such as fever or malaise, or if the patient does not improve with topical therapy. In those situations, an oral antibiotic is appropriate to address the deeper or more extensive infection.