What to expect from antibiotics for cellulitis

Cellulitis affects deeper layers of skin and commonly causes an area that is hot, swollen, sore, and increasingly red. A clinician chooses an antibiotic based on the appearance, location, severity, allergies, and your wider health. The border of redness should stop expanding as treatment begins to work, but visible inflammation can lag behind the infection. The medicine may be given by mouth; more serious illness can require treatment through a vein and observation.

Take each dose exactly as prescribed and finish the course unless the prescriber changes it. Rest the affected area and raise an arm or leg when practical to help with swelling. Keep the skin clean, avoid squeezing or rubbing it, and mark the edge of redness only if a clinician has suggested monitoring its spread. Tell the prescriber about new diarrhoea, a rash, breathing trouble, or other suspected medicine reactions. Do not share leftover antibiotics.

Seek urgent medical care if redness spreads quickly, pain becomes severe, the skin turns dusky or develops blisters, or you feel faint, confused, very unwell, or short of breath. Prompt review is also needed when fever persists, a wound is near the eye, or symptoms are not beginning to improve after treatment has started. People with diabetes, poor circulation, or a weakened immune system may need earlier assessment.

Ask which improvement should come first, how long tenderness may remain, what to do if you miss a dose, and whether the infection needs a swab, drainage, or follow-up examination.