What is the recommended first-line treatment for a skin infection characterized by reddened skin and tenderness?

The recommended first-line treatment for a skin infection characterized by reddened skin and tenderness is oral antibiotics. This is because such infections, often caused by bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes, typically require systemic treatment to effectively resolve the infection and prevent potential complications. The presence of redness and tenderness indicates an inflammatory response due to the infection, which oral antibiotics can help manage by targeting the pathogens responsible for the condition.

Topical antiseptics are effective for cleaning wounds or preventing infections in minor cuts and scrapes but may not penetrate deep enough to treat a full-blown skin infection. Warm compresses can provide symptomatic relief by reducing inflammation and promoting comfort, but they do not address the underlying bacterial cause. Corticosteroid creams are helpful in reducing inflammation but are not appropriate for treating infections as they can suppress the immune response and potentially worsen the infection. Therefore, oral antibiotics remain the most effective initial treatment option for this presentation of skin infection.