What are the treatments for the condition?

Affected skin should be kept clean, especially if the skin is broken. Specific treatment depends on the cause. For example, a person with an infection may need oral antibiotics or antibiotic cream applied to the skin. An individual with an allergic reaction may need antihistamines or corticosteroid medications. Someone with an autoimmune disorder may need medications to suppress the immune system. Cancer or poor circulation may require surgery.

What are the side effects of the treatments?

Side effects depend on the treatments used. For example, antihistamines often cause drowsiness. Other specific side effects depend on the medications used. Surgery carries a risk of bleeding, infection, and allergic reaction to the anesthesia.

What happens after treatment for the condition?

If the lesion goes away, a person may or may not need further treatment. For example, someone with diabetes or poor circulation needs further treatment and monitoring even after the skin lesion heals. An individual with ringworm, a fungal infection of the skin, usually needs no further treatment once the condition goes away.

How is the condition monitored?

A person with skin breakdown needs to watch for infection until the skin heals over. Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the healthcare provider.