When is antibiotic treatment recommended for cellulitis?

Cellulitis is a bacterial infection in deeper layers of skin and the tissues beneath it. It can cause spreading redness, warmth, swelling, tenderness, and sometimes fever or feeling unwell. Antibiotics target the bacteria; creams alone are generally not enough for a deeper infection. A clinician may consider the affected area, the pace of change, your general health, immune defenses, allergies, and whether an abscess or another problem also needs treatment.

Arrange a same-day medical assessment for new or expanding redness, especially when the skin is painful, hot, swollen, or accompanied by fever. Take prescribed antibiotics exactly as directed and do not share leftover medicine. Keep the area clean, avoid squeezing it, and raise an affected limb when comfortable. If symptoms worsen after treatment starts, contact the prescribing clinician because the diagnosis, antibiotic, or treatment setting may need review.

Seek urgent care for rapidly spreading redness, severe pain, red streaks, marked swelling, blisters, skin turning dusky, confusion, faintness, breathing difficulty, or a high fever. Get prompt assessment for cellulitis near the eye, on the face, or over a joint, and for infection after an animal or human bite. People with diabetes, poor circulation, immune suppression, or recurrent cellulitis may need earlier review.

Ask which signs show that the infection is responding, when improvement should begin, whether a wound or abscess needs separate care, and what to do if you miss a dose or develop a rash, diarrhoea, or breathing problems after taking the medicine.