Discharge Instructions for Cellulitis
You have been diagnosed with cellulitis, an infection that occurs at the deepest layer of the skin (also called the subcutaneous fat). Cellulitis is caused by bacteria, which can enter the body through broken skin (such as a cut, scratch, animal bite, or an insect bite that has been scratched). You were treated for cellulitis in the hospital with IV antibiotics and fluids.The following are some instructions for caring for yourself when you are at home.
Home Care
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Be sure to finish all the medication you are given—even if you feel better. If you don’t finish the medication, the infection may return. Not finishing the medication can also make any future infections harder to treat.
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Elevate your wound if possible. This will help keep the swelling down.
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Talk to your doctor if you are in pain. Ask your doctor about taking over-the-counter medication to reduce pain.
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Keep the infected area clean.
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Apply clean bandages or gauze dressings as directed by your doctor.
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Take your temperature once a day for a week. Report any fever to your doctor.
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To prevent infections, wash your hands before and after touching any cuts, scratches, or bandages.
Follow-Up
Make a follow-up appointment as directed by our staff.
When to Call Your Doctor
Call your doctor immediately if you have any of the following:
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Vomiting
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Fever of 100.4°F or higher
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Shaking chills
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Redness that gets worse in or around the infected area
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Swelling of the infected area
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Pain that gets worse in or around the infected area
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Difficulty or pain when moving the joints above or below the infected area
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Discharge or pus draining from the area
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Date Last Reviewed:
1/1/2007
Date Last Modified:
12/7/2007