Cellulitis Treatments

Your doctor will consider your age, overall health and severity of the condition when determining what for you.

Getting treated right away can help prevent the spread of cellulitis. Treatment may include:

• Oral, intramuscular (injection), or intravenous (IV) antibiotics
• Cool, wet dressings on the infection site
• Keeping the area dry and clean 
• Surgery
• If your arm or leg is affected, elevating the arm or leg may help
• Rest
• Time to heal 

Based on the physical exam, your health care provider may treat you in the hospital, depending on the severity of the cellulitis. In the hospital, you may get antibiotics and fluids through an intravenous (IV) catheter.

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