What should you know about cellulitis after antibiotics?

Cellulitis is an infection of deeper skin and soft tissue. Redness, warmth, tenderness and swelling may not disappear immediately when treatment begins. The edge of redness can be marked so changes are easier to judge. Improvement should be assessed by the overall direction: pain, swelling, fever and spread should not progressively worsen.

Treatment may need review if the antibiotic is difficult to take, doses were missed, the bacteria are not covered, an abscess needs drainage, or another condition resembles cellulitis. Read more about [Cellulitis](/conditions/cellulitis/) and do not share leftover antibiotics.

Take the prescribed antibiotic exactly as directed unless a clinician tells you to stop. Keep the affected area clean, rest it when possible, elevate a swollen limb and drink enough fluid. Photographing the area or marking the border can help show whether redness is spreading, but do not delay care while monitoring.

Contact the prescriber if symptoms are not beginning to improve, side effects make treatment difficult, or the redness extends beyond the marked edge. A clinician may examine for an abscess, review the diagnosis, change treatment or arrange hospital care.

Seek urgent help for rapidly spreading redness, severe or escalating pain, blistering, purple or black skin, numbness, confusion, fainting, high fever, repeated vomiting or feeling seriously unwell. Facial or eye-area swelling, infection near a joint, or cellulitis in someone with significant immune problems needs prompt medical review.

Ask: Is the infection responding as expected? Could there be an abscess or a different diagnosis? Should the antibiotic be changed or given another way? How long should swelling and redness take to settle, and what exact signs require urgent review?