Causes of cellulitisĬellulitis is usually caused by a bacterial infection. Septicaemia and kidney problems can be life threatening and require immediate treatment in hospital. blood poisoning (sepsis) – where the bacteria enter the blood.Outlook for cellulitisĬellulitis can usually be treated successfully with antibiotics, and most people make a full recovery.īut there is a risk it could cause potentially serious problems, particularly if it's not treated quickly, such as:
Read more about how cellulitis is treated. If the infection responds to treatment quickly, it may be possible to complete the course with antibiotic tablets instead of having injections or a drip. Many hospitals can then arrange for this treatment to continue at home or in an outpatient clinic. You'll normally be given antibiotics directly into a vein through an injection or a drip. Contact your GP if your symptoms get worse after a few days or don't improve within a week.įor serious infections, treatment is usually started in hospital. Make sure you complete the whole course of medicine you've been given, even if you're feeling better. You'll usually be given a five-day course of treatment, and your symptoms should start to improve after a few days. Many infections can be treated with antibiotic tablets at home. Cellulitis is usually treated with antibiotics.
