Can I Take Sulfamethoxazole Trimethoprim 800 For An Infected Tattoo?

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I got a tattoo on my ankle to cover a scar from a flea bite two years ago. It still hasn't healed. I take 8 or more pain killers daily and suffer from unbearable pain every night even after taking sleep aid. I do not have insurance so what medication can I take to get rid of this problem? Would an old prescription of SMX-TMP help?

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If you're dealing with an infection that's gotten to a point where you're in constant pain, I would suggest you seek immediate medical attention. You don't want it to turn into sepsis.

That being said, I recently saw my dermatologist for an infection. He prescribed me Cephalexin and said that it was particularly effective at clearing skin infections (which sounds like what you are dealing with since it's from a tattoo). The Mayo Clinic states that SMX-TMP is primarily for treating "urinary tract infections, middle ear infections (otitis media), bronchitis, traveler's diarrhea, and shigellosis (bacillary dysentery)". [1]

If seeing a doctor is not an option, there are also over the counter antibiotic ointments such as Neosporin (or Polysporin) which may help. But seriously, it sounds like you're in a bad place, I suggest seeing a doctor if you can.
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Re: Roy (# 1) Expand Referenced Message

@Roy
How is Cephalexin like? Did u have any side effects? I also have a skin infection and the doctor prescribed me Bactrim, but it has too many side effects.

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Re: GreenButterfly (# 2) Expand Referenced Message

Ok, so I guess that Bactrim (SMX-TMP) can in fact be prescribed for skin infections. Good to know.

I did fine on the Cephalexin. Truth be told, I did well the past few times I've had an antibiotic round. I think the main reason is because I also took a probiotic called Florastor each time. It's different than other probiotics such that it is not killed off by antibiotics, and it seemed to do a good job of keeping my digestive system in balance while taking the meds. {aff link added}

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You really need to be seen. A 2 year infection isn’t something to fool with. You’re putting yourself at huge risk for any number of really bad things to happen. These would include sepsis and osteomylitis. Go see a doc!

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