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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Cellulitis Medications

Antibiotics are prescribed by mouth or by injection. Be sure to tell your doctor about any reactions you may have had in the past to antibiotics.

Cellulitis Surgery

• Rarely, a soft tissue infection may need surgery.



• An abscess, or collection of pus in the tissue, may need to be opened surgically to allow drainage.



• Dead tissue may need to be cut away to allow healing.

Follow-up

Once you leave the doctor's office, be sure to take all the antibiotics prescribed. Do not stop taking the antibiotics early, even if the infection seems to be gone. The doctor may want to see you in two to three days to see if the cellulitis is improving.