Treatment

The bacterial infection is usually treated with antibiotics such as penicillin, usually given through a vein in the first instance, followed up by tablets. Depending on the seriousness of the infection, it may be necessary to continue antibiotics for 6 - 12 months, to prevent relapse.

In some cases, surgery may also be necessary to drain deep abscesses and to remove the sinuses. Surgery can also be used to remove the large infected lumps, and to seal off any sinuses that have moved into the bone structure.

Actinomyces bacteria can also be treated with other medications, including Chloramphenicol, Erythromycin, Tetracyclines, and Clindamycin. However, they almost always respond to the combination of antibiotics and surgery.