Adult Skin Problems Slideshow Pictures Quiz: Can You Identify These Skin Conditions? Gallery of Skin Problems and Images Collection

Medical Author:

Sandra Gonzalez Gompf, MD, FACP

Sandra Gonzalez Gompf, MD, FACP

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Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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Medical Treatment

• If the infection is not too severe, you can be treated at home. The doctor will give you a prescription for antibiotics to take by mouth for about a week to 10 days. Do not stop treatment early; finish all of the medication you are prescribed unless the doctor tells you to stop.



• The doctor may use intravenous (IV) or intramuscular antibiotic injections in these situations:



• If the infection is severe



• If you have other medical problems



• If you are very young or very old



• If the cellulitis involves extensive areas or areas close to important structures; for example, infection around the eye socket



• If the infection worsens after taking antibiotics for two to three days



• You may need hospitalization if the infection is advanced, extensive, or in an important area, like the face. In most of these cases, IV (intravenous) antibiotics need to be given until the infection is under good control (two to three days) and then you can be switched to oral medications to be taken at home.