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.*

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Rapid treatment for Cellulitis symptoms

Prescription antibiotics, prescribed online

Early diagnosis by board-certified doctors*

*Prescriptions are provided at the doctor's discretion. Learn more about our controlled substances policy and how to save up to 80% with our prescription discount card. PlushCare doctors cannot treat all cases of cellulitis. Our primary care physicians can conduct an initial evaluation of your symptoms but may need to refer you to a specialist or for in-person treatment. If you are experiencing life-threatening symptoms, seek emergency medical attention immediately.

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

    • Headache

    • 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

    • Chickenpox or shingles

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

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.

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.

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

$16.99/month

First month free

Visits

Copay

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:

    • Humana
    • Aetna
    • United Healthcare

Paying without insurance

Membership

$16.99/month

First month free

Visits

$129

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.

Book an appointment

If we're unable to treat you, we'll provide a full refund.

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PlushCare is dedicated to providing you with accurate and trustworthy health information

PlushCare content is reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, nutritionists, and other healthcare professionals. Learn more about our editorial standards and meet the medical team. The PlushCare site or any linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.