Cellulitis

Your healthcare professional will likely be able to diagnose cellulitis by looking at your skin. You might need to have blood tests or other tests to help rule out other conditions.

Cellulitis treatment usually includes a prescription antibiotic medicine taken by mouth. You take it for as long as your healthcare professional directs, usually 5 to 10 days, even after you feel better. Symptoms typically disappear a few days after you start treatment.

You may need to be hospitalized and receive medicine through your veins if:

• Symptoms don't respond to the medicine taken by mouth.
• Symptoms are extensive.
• You have a high fever.

Try these steps to help ease any pain and swelling:

• Place a cool, damp cloth on the affected area as often as needed for your comfort.
• Ask your healthcare professional to suggest a nonprescription pain medicine.
• Elevate the affected part of the body.
• Ask your healthcare professional whether it might help to wear compression wraps or stockings.

You're likely to start by seeing your primary health professional, who may refer you to a doctor who specializes in skin disorders. This type of doctor is a dermatologist. If you have a serious infection, an emergency room healthcare professional may examine you first. You also may be referred to an infectious disease specialist.

Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment.

What you can do

Make a list of:

• Your symptoms, including any that may seem unrelated to the reason for which you scheduled the appointment.
• Key personal information, such as if you've had any recent surgeries, injuries or bites.
• Medicines, vitamins and supplements you're taking and the dosages.
• Questions to ask your healthcare professional.

Preparing a list of questions can help you make sure that you cover the points that are important to you. For cellulitis, some basic questions to ask your healthcare professional include:

• How might I have gotten this infection?
• What tests do I need? Do these tests require special preparation?
• How is cellulitis treated?
• How soon will the treatment start working?
• What side effects are possible with this medicine?
• I have other medical conditions. How do I manage them together?
• Are there alternatives to antibiotics?
• Is there a generic alternative to the medicine you're prescribing?
• How can I prevent this type of infection in the future?
• Do you have any brochures or other printed material that I can have? What websites do you recommend?

Don't hesitate to ask other questions you have.

What to expect from your doctor

Your healthcare professional is likely to ask you questions such as:

• When did your symptoms start?
• Do you remember injuries or insect bites to that area?
• How severe is the pain?
• Does anything seem to improve your symptoms?
• Are you allergic to or intolerant of any antibiotics?
• Have you had this type of infection before?

What you can do in the meantime

You may need a prescription antibiotic to clear your infection. However, until you see your healthcare professional, you can wash the injured area with soap and water and place a cool, damp cloth over it.