Background: We aimed to determine the feasibility of measuring resolution rates of bacterial skin infections in general practice.
Methods: Fifteen general practitioners recruited patients from March 2005 to October 2007 and collected clinical and sociodemographic data at baseline. Patients were followed up at 2 and 6 weeks to assess lesion resolution.
Results: Of 93 recruited participants, 60 (65%) were followed up at 2 and 6 weeks: 50% (30) had boils, 37% (22) had impetigo, 83% (50) were prescribed antibiotics, and active follow up was suggested for 47% (28). Thirty percent (18) and 15% (9) of participants had nonhealed lesions at 2 and 6 weeks respectively. No associations between nonhealing and any modifiable factors investigated were identified. However, indigenous patients were more likely to have nonhealed lesions at 2 weeks and new lesions at 6 weeks.
Discussion: Clinicians need to be aware that nonhealing is not infrequent, particularly in indigenous people.