Cellulitis

Diagnosis

Your healthcare professional can often diagnose cellulitis simply by examining your skin. In some cases, blood tests or other diagnostic tests may be recommended to help rule out other possible conditions that cause similar symptoms.

Treatment

Treatment for cellulitis typically involves prescription antibiotics taken by mouth. The medication is usually prescribed for 5 to 10 days, and it’s important to complete the full course as directed, even if symptoms improve early. Most people begin to feel better within a few days of starting treatment.

Hospitalization and intravenous (IV) antibiotic treatment may be required if:

• Symptoms do not respond to oral medication.

• The infection is widespread or severe.

• You develop a high fever or signs of systemic infection.