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June 19, 2013
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Cellulitis (cont.)

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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.

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Viewer Comments & Reviews

Cellulitis - Treatment

The eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:

What treatment was effective for your cellulitis?

Cellulitis - Symptoms

The eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:

The symptoms of cellulitis can vary greatly from patient to patient. What were your initial symptoms?

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Read What Your Physician is Reading on Medscape

Cellulitis »

Cellulitis is a term that describes the inflammatory response caused by bacteria in the skin below the epidermis.

Read More on Medscape Reference »


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