Bacterial Identification
One of the first steps to treating cellulitis is to determine what kind of bacteria is causing the infection. This is typically done by taking a sample of tissue or fluid (such as blood) from the injured area. Bacteria from the sample are then grown on plates filled with a material specially made for bacterial growth (also known as media). The colonies that form on the media are then looked at under a microscope and may be further tested to ascertain the identity of the bacteria. Although mild cases of cellulitis can be treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics, if the infection does not respond to these versatile medications, then the identity of the bacteria will be needed to better direct further treatment.
Mild Cellulitis
As the Mayo Clinic explains, most cases of mild cellulitis are treated with oral antibiotics. These antibiotics are typically taken daily for 14 days, and are obtained with a prescription. Most patients will need to have a followup visit with their physician one to three days after the antibiotic treatment is started to make sure that the antibiotics being used are effective at treating the bacteria causing the cellulitis.
Severe Cellulitis
For patients with rapidly spreading infections or bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics, a more aggressive treatment plan is required. Health Scout notes that in these cases, patients often receive intravenous antibiotics. If the bacteria has been identified, then the antibiotics can be tailored for the infectious agent. In some cases, exploratory surgery may be needed to help remove diseased tissue and to limit the bacterial spread.
