Discharge Instructions for Cellulitis

You have been diagnosed with cellulitis. This is an infection in the deepest layer of the skin. In some cases, the infection also affects the muscle. Cellulitis is caused by bacteria. The bacteria can enter the body through broken skin. This can happen with a cut, scratch, animal bite, or an insect bite that has been scratched. You may have been treated in the hospital with antibiotics and fluids. You will likely be given a prescription for antibiotics to take at home. This sheet will help you take care of yourself at home.

Home Care

• Take the prescribed antibiotic medication you are given as directed until it is gone. Take it even if you feel better. It treats the infection and stops it from returning. Not taking all of the medication can also make future infections hard to treat.

• Keep the infected area clean.

• When possible, raise the infected area above the level of your heart. This helps keep swelling down.

• Talk to your doctor if you are in pain. Ask what kind of over-the-counter medication you can take for pain.

• Apply clean bandages as advised.

• Take your temperature once a day for a week.

• Wash your hands often to prevent spreading the infection.

In the future, wash your hands before and after you touch cuts, scratches, or bandages. This will help prevent infection. 

Follow-Up

Make a follow-up appointment as advised by our staff.