Cellulitis – Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis

A doctor examines the skin for signs like redness, swelling, tenderness, and warmth. Common symptoms of cellulitis include pain, fever, chills, and sometimes blisters or red streaks.

When needed, blood tests help rule out other causes.

Some key features checked:

• Pain, swelling, and skin warmth
• Tenderness or erythema
• Fever, malaise, or weakness
• Possible lymph node swelling
• Unusual wounds or bruising

Doctors usually diagnose cellulitis by checking these physical symptoms. Simple lab tests can confirm the diagnosis if needed.

Treatment

Doctors often treat cellulitis with oral antibiotics for 5 to 10 days. Patients should finish the full course even if symptoms improve early.

Common antibiotics include penicillins, cephalosporins, tetracyclines, and lincosamides. If MRSA is a concern, doctors may choose oxazolidinones or glycopeptides.

If oral medicines do not work, or if symptoms are severe, doctors may give intravenous antibiotics in a hospital. Quick treatment helps prevent serious complications.

Self-Care

People can manage discomfort and swelling at home. Try placing a cool, moist cloth on the irritated skin.

Elevating the area helps reduce swelling. This is especially helpful for those with obesity, poor circulation, lymphedema, or venous insufficiency.

Compression wraps or stockings may support skin health. For pain, nonprescription medicine is an option, but consult a health provider first.

Getting Ready for Your Medical Visit

Steps to Take Before Your Appointment

Preparing for a medical visit helps make the appointment more useful. Bring a written list of your symptoms, even those that may not seem related.

Note when symptoms started and how they have changed. Write down any recent events, such as injuries, surgeries, or insect bites.

Sharing this information helps the healthcare provider find possible risk factors. Bring a list of all medications, including over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and supplements with their doses.

Knowing your full medical history, including conditions like diabetes or immune problems, is important. If you have a weak immune system, mention this clearly.

Prepare questions before the visit. Possible questions include:

• What caused my infection?
• Will I need any special tests?
• What treatments are available?
• How soon should I expect improvement?
• Are there side effects with the medicine?
• How do other health conditions affect this infection?
• Are there non-antibiotic options?
• Is there a lower-cost medicine?
• How can I prevent more infections?

Bring a notebook or use your phone to keep track of questions.

Questions Your Care Team Might Ask

The doctor may ask when symptoms began and if you had any injuries, scrapes, or bites to the area. They may ask about the severity of pain and if anything makes it better.

You may also need to share if you have allergies to antibiotics or intolerances to certain medicines. Having your medical history ready helps the healthcare team choose the best treatment.

Actions You Can Take While Waiting

Before your appointment, you can take these steps:

• Gently clean the skin with soap and water every day.
• Keep the area dry and watch for any changes.
• You can apply a cool, damp cloth to ease discomfort.

Do not try to open or drain the area. Only cover with a dressing if your doctor tells you to. If you see redness spreading quickly, get a fever, or your symptoms get worse, seek urgent care before your visit.