In some cases, the first medication may not work.
If that happens, your healthcare provider may use injectable or intravenous (IV) antibiotics.
Its essential to seek early treatment to prevent cellulitis complications.Antibioticmedication is the primary treatment.
Illustration by Michela Buttignol for Verywell Health
Most infections heal within 10 days.
At this point, the affected area may no longer be tender to the touch.
The standard practice when treating uncomplicated cellulitis is to prescribe a 10-day course of oral antibiotics.
However, research shows that a five-day course can be just as effective in some cases.
Tips to Help Cellulitis Heal
Getting prompt treatment and starting antibiotics is the first step toward healing.
If you take oral antibiotics at home, take all the medicine even after you start feeling better.
Failure to do so could delay the amount of time it takes for your cellulitis to heal.
Complications of Cellulitis
Cellulitis can cause serious complications but you’ll have warning signs.
Without removing infected tissues, life-threatening sepsis can occur.
Research has shown that they can help reduce the risk of recurrence.
Oral antibiotic treatment will typically clear symptoms within ten days.
If your infection doesn’t respond to oral antibiotics, you’ll likely be given IV antibiotics.
Should your cellulitis progress and result in complications, surgery may be required to prevent sepsis.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About cellulitis.
American College of Physicians.Spare the emergency visit for skin and soft-tissue infections.
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