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Cellulitis
Cellulitis treatment available online today
Request treatment for cellulitis online from our trusted, board-certified doctors and find relief from swelling and pain. Get a new prescription to treat cellulitis or refill an existing prescription today.
Book an appointment
Medication services available for adults and kids (3+)
Top quality, board-certified doctors
Insurance accepted, but not required
Prescriptions sent to your local pharmacy*
*Prescriptions provided at doctor’s discretion
Most major insurance plans accepted
Most patients with in-network insurance pay $30 or less. Paying without insurance? New patient visits are $129, and follow-ups are only $99 for members.
Don’t see your provider listed? Email [email protected] or call (888) 564-4454 to talk to a PlushCare specialist.
3 simple steps to request treatment for cellulitis today
Step 1
Book a cellulitis treatment request appointment.
Book a same day appointment from anywhere.
Step 2
Talk to your medical provider regarding your cellulitis symptoms.
Visit with a doctor on your smartphone or computer.
Step 3
Pick up a prescription to treat cellulitis.
We can send prescriptions to any local pharmacy.
Cellulitis treatment pricing details
How pricing works
To request cellulitis treatment and get a new or refill on your prescription, join our monthly membership and get discounted visits.
Paying with insurance
Membership
$14.99/month
First month free
First visit
Copay
For all visits
30 days of free membership
Same-day appointments 7 days a week
Unlimited messages with your Care Team
Prescription discount card to save up to 80%
Exclusive discounts on lab tests
Free memberships for your family
Cancel anytime
Visit price with insurance
Often the same as an office visit. Most patients with in-network insurance pay $30 or less!
- We accept these insurance plans and many more:
Paying without insurance
Membership
$14.99/month
First month free
First visit
$129
Repeats only $99
30 days of free membership
Same-day appointments 7 days a week
Unlimited messages with your Care Team
Prescription discount card to save up to 80%
Exclusive discounts on lab tests
Free memberships for your family
Cancel anytime
Visit price without insurance
Initial visits are $129 and follow-ups are only $99 for active members.
If we're unable to treat you, we'll provide a full refund.
Cellulitis treatment FAQs
How long does cellulitis take to go away?
Most people experience symptom improvement within 7–10 days of starting antibiotics. Severe bacterial infections may require a longer course of treatment.
Even if your symptoms improve, it's important to continue taking your antibiotics as prescribed.
Is cellulitis contagious?
Cellulitis usually isn't contagious. In rare cases, people can develop contact cellulitis if they have an open skin wound and have skin-to-skin contact with an infected person's open wound.
What helps cellulitis heal faster?
Cellulitis requires treatment with antibiotics, which can be prescribed by a doctor. However, you can speed up your recovery with home remedies:
Cover your wound with a clean bandage and apply a skin protectant
Elevate the affected limb to reduce swelling
Seek treatment for any underlying conditions, such as athlete's foot
Apply a clean washcloth soaked in cool water to relieve pain
What are the complications of cellulitis?
Untreated cellulitis can have serious health complications. Bacterial infections can cause extensive tissue damage and tissue death (gangrene).
The bacteria can also spread to the bloodstream, lymph nodes, or nervous system, causing a more serious infection. These infections can lead to amputation, shock, or even death.
Can cellulitis go away on its own?
Mild cellulitis can go away on its own, but it will take longer to heal without treatment. Without antibiotics, the infection may spread, which can be life-threatening.
Learn about cellulitis
Cellulitis is a deep bacterial skin infection that can cause redness, swelling, and pain. In most cases, cellulitis affects the arms and legs. It can also develop around the eyes, mouth, stomach, and other parts of the body.
Without proper treatment, cellulitis can spread to other parts of the body, leading to serious complications.
Cellulitis causes
Cellulitis is usually caused when bacteria enter a wound.
The most common cause of cellulitis is group A Streptococcus, or "group A strep." Other types of bacteria, such as Streptococcus pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus (Staph), can also cause cellulitis.
In healthy people, staph and strep bacteria are commonly found on the skin and mucous membranes of the mouth and nose. However, a bacterial infection can happen when there's a break in the skin that allows bacteria to enter. Other causes include:
Human or animal bites
Injuries that happen in water
Damaged skin due to wounds, cuts, or surgical incisions
Cellulitis symptoms
The symptoms of cellulitis can vary from person to person, and each person may experience symptoms differently. Some common symptoms include:
Redness, tenderness, or swelling of the skin
Bruising and blisters in the affected area
Warm skin
Pain
Fever
Chills
Weakness
Although cellulitis can occur anywhere on the body, the lower legs are the most common infection sites. Bacteria are more likely to enter broken, dry, or swollen skin. Your risk of developing cellulitis may be higher if you have:Open wounds, such as ulcers, puncture wounds, surgical incisions, tattoos, or piercings
Chronic skin conditions, such as athlete's foot or eczema
A weakened immune system
How to treat cellulitis
Your doctor will consider your medical history, age, and symptoms to determine the best treatment approach for you. If you're experiencing any symptoms, seeking early treatment is the best way to stop the bacterial infection from spreading.
In most cases, cellulitis treatment includes prescription oral antibiotics or antibiotic ointment. Within 3 days of starting antibiotic treatment, let your health care provider know whether the skin infection is responding to treatment. Even if the bacterial infection improves, it's important to continue taking antibiotics for the full course of treatment.
Most symptoms disappear within a few days of starting antibiotic treatment. However, severe cellulitis may require hospitalization and intravenous (IV) antibiotics.
Cellulitis medication
Cellulitis is treated with antibiotics. Common cellulitis medications include:
Dicloxacillin
Keflex (cephalexin)Trimethoprim with sulfamethoxazole
Cleocin (clindamycin) Vibramycin (doxycycline) Doxycycline
How to prevent cellulitis
Cellulitis typically affects damaged skin, but it can also affect areas with poor hygiene. To help prevent cellulitis, take the following precautions:
Wash your hands regularly with warm water and soap
Clean and trim your fingernails and toenails
Thoroughly dry your skin after showering
Keep open wounds clean and apply antibiotic ointment
Cover open wounds with bandages
When to see a doctor for cellulitis
If you notice any symptoms of cellulitis, you should make an appointment with a doctor. In the early stages of soft tissue infections, your skin may look pitted or discolored.
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
Symptoms that don't respond to antibiotics
Numbness, tingling, or other changes
Large areas of skin swelling or inflammation
A high fever
Related conditions to cellulitis
Gout
Gout, a skin condition that commonly occurs on the leg, may resemble cellulitis. Gout occurs when crystals form in a joint, which causes inflammation near the joint.
If you experience swelling, tenderness, or warmth, schedule an appointment with your doctor to diagnose cellulitis.