Cellulitis medical therapy

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Aditya Govindvarjhulla, M.B.B.S.

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Overview

Antibiotics - typically a combination of intravenous and oral antibiotics are administered. Bed rest and elevation of affected limbs is also recommended. For abscess which are small and unaffecting the surrounding tissue can be treated with simple incision and drainage. Drink plenty of fluids as well - at least 8 glasses of water a day.

Medical Therapy

Antibiotics are the mainstay of treatment of medical therapy. Primary aim of the physician for using antibiotics is to

• Treatment of the infection.
• Prevent complications.
• Reduce hospital stay or morbidity.

Choice of antibiotic therapy depends on few factors.

• Age of the individual
• Co-morbid conditions
• Site of lesion
• Severity of lesion
• Pathogen involved(gram positive or negative/aerobic or anaerobic)
• Strain and resistance of the pathogen

Most common causative pathogen is Staphylococcus aureus ,a gram positive bacteria. This is empirically treated with Beta-lactum antibiotics. Nowadays latest reports suggest that this bacterium has acquired resistance(MRSA) and newer drugs are to be used.Reports from the laboratory regarding sensitivity of the pathogen is key factor in deciding the therapy. Uncomplicated Cellulitis In cases of simple infection without abscess or draining dicloxacillin, amoxacillin or first generation cephalosporins like Cephalexin are used.

References

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