Many skin infections are self-limiting, or respond
to topical antiseptic (povidone iodine, chlorhexidine)
therapy. The severity and chronicity of disease are
often used to determine whether antimicrobials are
indicated. If systemic antimicrobials are chosen, then
an adequate duration of therapy is important. Skin
infections tend to require longer treatment than many
other types of infection, and three to eight weeks of
therapy is often necessary. It is often stated that treatment
should extend 7–10 days beyond apparent
resolution of superficial infections, and 14–21 days
beyond resolution of deep infections.