Treatment of Cellulitis
Treatment of cellulitis focuses on eradicating the infection, relieving symptoms, and preventing complications or recurrence. Mild cases of cellulitis may be managed at home with oral antibiotics, while more severe infections require hospital-based treatment.
1. Antibiotics
The primary treatment is antibiotics, which are usually started as soon as cellulitis is suspected. For uncomplicated cases, oral antibiotics such as flucloxacillin, amoxicillin, or clindamycin are prescribed for 5–10 days.
If the infection is more severe or the person has other health concerns, intravenous antibiotics may be needed. These are typically given in hospital but can sometimes be arranged through outpatient IV therapy services.
If MRSA is suspected, antibiotics like doxycycline, vancomycin, or linezolid may be used.
2. Pain Relief and Anti-Inflammatory Medication
Paracetamol or ibuprofen can be taken to manage pain, reduce inflammation, and lower fever. Elevating the affected limb and applying cool compresses may also help ease swelling and discomfort.
3. Wound Care | Treatment of Cellulitis
If there are blisters, ulcers, or areas of broken skin, proper wound care is essential. Keeping the area clean and covered helps prevent secondary infections and supports healing.
4. Rest and Elevation
Reducing movement and elevating the affected area (particularly in leg cellulitis) helps reduce swelling and improve circulation. This speeds up recovery and decreases pain.
5. Monitoring and Follow-Up
Patients are typically reviewed within 48–72 hours of starting antibiotics to check for improvement. If symptoms worsen or fail to improve, hospital admission and further investigations may be needed.
Preventative measures may be recommended for individuals with recurrent cellulitis. These may include long-term low-dose antibiotics, treating underlying skin conditions like athlete’s foot, or managing chronic swelling through compression therapy.
Treatment of Cellulitis
With the right treatment, most cases of cellulitis resolve without complications. However, it’s important to complete the full course of antibiotics and follow any advice on wound care or prevention to reduce the chance of recurrence.
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