Best Antibiotic for Skin Infection: Top Choices and What Works

When you’ve got a red, swollen, painful spot on your skin, you don’t need guesswork—you need the right antibiotic, a medicine designed to kill or stop the growth of bacteria causing infections. Also known as antibacterial agent, it’s the first line of defense against common skin infections like cellulitis, impetigo, or infected cuts. Not every antibiotic works the same way, and not all are built for skin. Some target gram-positive bacteria like staph and strep, which are the usual suspects in skin infections. Others are broader, but come with more side effects or aren’t as effective for surface bugs.

The most common go-to is amoxicillin, a penicillin-class antibiotic that’s effective against many skin pathogens and widely available as a low-cost generic. Also known as Amoxil, it’s often the first prescription you’ll get for mild to moderate infections. But if you’re allergic to penicillin, or the infection is stubborn, levofloxacin, a fluoroquinolone that penetrates deep into skin tissues and fights resistant strains. Also known as Levaquin, it’s used when other options fail. For infections tied to anaerobic bacteria or those linked to acne or abscesses, metronidazole, an antibiotic and antiprotozoal that targets bacteria that thrive without oxygen. Also known as Flagyl, it’s often paired with other drugs for better coverage. These three—amoxicillin, levofloxacin, and metronidazole—are the backbone of most skin infection treatments you’ll see in real-world clinics and pharmacy guides.

What you won’t find in a doctor’s office is random internet advice. Skin infections can turn serious fast if treated wrong. That’s why people turn to trusted sources to compare options, check for interactions, and learn how to buy these meds safely online without risking counterfeit pills. You’ll see posts here that break down exactly how to get generic amoxicillin or levofloxacin at a fraction of the cost, how to spot a fake pharmacy, and what alternatives exist if your first choice doesn’t work. There’s no fluff—just clear, practical info on what actually kills the bacteria on your skin, what the side effects are, and how to avoid wasting time or money on something that won’t help.