Cellulitis

Cellulitis is an infection of your skin that can spread to other areas. It usually starts in a part of the skin that is broken like a cut or a scratch, but it can start in areas where there is no problem. People who have diabetes or have a sickness that does not let them fight infection very well can get cellulitis more easily. Some medications that you have to take can cause your body to have trouble fighting infection.

It can be caused by many different kinds of bacteria (germs). The most common bacteria that causes it are Group A Streptococcus and Staphylococcus aureus.

Home Treatment:

• You will have to take an antibiotic (medication to fight the bacteria). This medication should be taken exactly as written on the bottle or as the doctor says. You should make sure you take all of the medication until it is all gone.
• The doctor will want to see you a day or 2 after starting the antibiotics to make sure you are getting better.
• If possible keep the area raised above your heart by using pillows.
• Put a warm compress (cloth) on your infected area or soak your sore part in warm water several times a day.

If the infection is really bad, or does not get better after taking your medication for a couple of days, you will need to come to the hospital to get antibiotics through an IV (a needle that goes in your hand or arm).

Return to the Emergency Department IF:

• Increase in the redness around the infected area.
• Increase in the red streaks coming from the infected area.
• Increase in pain in the area you have your cellulitus.
• You are taking antibiotics and the infection is not getting better or it is getting worse.