What should you know about common antibiotic for cellulitis?

Cellulitis is a bacterial infection in deeper layers of skin. The medicine selected can depend on the likely bacteria, the location and extent of redness, allergies, other medicines, kidney health and whether the person can swallow and absorb tablets. Mild infections may be managed with an oral antibiotic, while a severe or spreading infection may need hospital assessment and treatment through a vein. An athlete’s foot infection, wound or skin crack can provide an entry point for bacteria.

Take the prescribed antibiotic exactly as directed and do not share leftover doses. Rest the affected area when possible, keep any wound clean and monitor the edge of redness. Improvement may take time, but worsening pain, swelling or redness should be reported. People with diabetes or a weakened immune system should arrange advice early because skin infections can progress more quickly.

Seek urgent care for rapidly spreading redness, severe pain, fever, dizziness, confusion, faintness, blisters, numbness or marked swelling. Emergency assessment is needed if there are signs of sepsis, such as severe breathlessness, unusual drowsiness or a sudden feeling that something is seriously wrong. Do not wait for an antibiotic to work when symptoms are escalating.

Ask which antibiotic is being prescribed, how to take it, what improvement to expect, which side effects need action and how the original wound or fungal foot infection should be managed.