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Treatments and drugs
By Mayo Clinic staffCellulitis treatment may involve a prescription oral antibiotic. You'll likely recheck with your doctor one to two days after starting an antibiotic to ensure that the infection is responding to treatment. You'll need to take the antibiotic for 10 to 14 days. In most cases, signs and symptoms of cellulitis disappear after a few days. If they don't clear up, if they're extensive or if you have a high fever, you may need to be hospitalized and receive antibiotics through your veins (intravenously).
Usually, doctors prescribe a drug that's effective against both streptococci and staphylococci. An example is cephalexin (Keflex). Your doctor will choose an antibiotic based on your circumstances.
No matter what type of antibiotic your doctor prescribes, it's important that you take the medication as directed and that you finish the entire course of medication, even if you start feeling better.
