Fluoroquinolone treatment of skin and skin structure infections.

When the causative pathogens are susceptible, the fluoroquinolones have been demonstrated to be highly efficacious in the treatment of both mild uncomplicated skin and skin structure infections as well as the more severe complicated infections involving these tissues, including infections of the feet of diabetic patients. These broad spectrum agents, particularly the newer fluoroquinolones with enhanced activity against gram-positive bacteria, are ideal for treating the often polymicrobial complicated skin and skin structure infections. The wisdom of treating uncomplicated skin infections, which are primarily due to staphylococci and streptococci wherein more narrow spectrum beta-lactam antibiotics would suffice, is questionable.