Does antibiotic treatment treat cellulitis?

Cellulitis is an infection in deeper layers of skin and nearby tissue. Antibiotics may be given by mouth when the infection is suitable for outpatient care. More serious infection, rapid worsening, or difficulty taking medicines may require treatment through a vein in a healthcare setting. The red, warm, swollen area can take time to settle even after bacteria are being controlled, so the skin may not look normal immediately.

A clinician may consider where the infection is located, how quickly it appeared, fever or chills, other illnesses, allergies, and medicines you already take. Do not use leftover antibiotics or share a prescription, because the medicine and duration need to match the situation.

Arrange prompt medical advice for a new area of spreading redness, warmth, swelling, or tenderness. If antibiotics are prescribed, take them exactly as directed and do not stop early without checking with the prescriber. Keep the affected area clean, avoid squeezing or scratching it, and elevate an involved arm or leg when practical. Marking the edge of redness can help you notice whether it is spreading, but it does not replace review.

Seek urgent medical help if redness is spreading quickly, pain is severe or worsening, you feel faint or confused, or you develop fever, chills, blisters, purple or grey skin, or marked swelling. Facial or eye-area infection, infection of a hand, or cellulitis in someone with a weakened immune system also deserves prompt assessment. Breathing difficulty, collapse, or swelling of the lips or tongue needs emergency care.

Ask which features suggest cellulitis, which antibiotic is appropriate, how soon improvement should begin, what side effects require a call, and whether a wound, bite, fungal infection, or another cause also needs treatment.