Bacterial cellulitis treatment explained

Some people can take oral medicine at home, while severe infection, rapid progression, certain locations or systemic illness may require hospital assessment and antibiotics given into a vein. Supportive measures do not replace antibiotic care.

A clinician assesses the affected site, spread of redness, pain, swelling, fever and general wellbeing. Medical history, allergies, kidney function, pregnancy, recent antibiotics, wounds and exposure to resistant bacteria may affect the prescription. Cellulitis commonly presents with tender, warm, red and swollen skin; fever can accompany a more significant infection.

There is not always fluid to swab because cellulitis lies beneath intact skin. When pus, drainage or an open wound is present, sampling may help refine antibiotic choice. Another diagnosis, such as a blood clot or inflammatory skin condition, may sometimes resemble cellulitis and requires different management.

Start the prescribed antibiotic as directed, complete the planned course unless the prescriber changes it, and seek advice about significant side effects. Rest and elevate an affected limb when comfortable to help swelling. Keep wounds clean and covered according to clinical instructions, and avoid squeezing, massaging or puncturing the inflamed area.

Monitor the edge and your general symptoms so worsening is recognised. Treat possible entry points, such as cracked skin from athlete's foot, once a clinician advises how to do so. People with diabetes should also follow their usual foot and glucose care plan and promptly report wounds or loss of sensation.

Obtain urgent help if redness or swelling is spreading quickly, pain becomes severe or out of proportion, fever is accompanied by deterioration, or the skin develops blisters, purple patches or dark areas. Confusion, faintness, fast breathing, marked sleepiness or very low urine output can occur with sepsis. Infection around an eye, or worsening despite started treatment, also warrants urgent reassessment.

Ask why the chosen antibiotic fits the likely bacteria, when the skin should be rechecked, and which changes mean treatment needs adjustment. Confirm what to do after vomiting or a missed dose, whether your other medicines interact, how to manage an existing wound, and how recurrent episodes might be prevented.