Taking antibiotics as soon as you notice any sign of infection will lead to quicker healing because the infection won’t have time to fester and worsen. A 10 to 21 day antibiotic regimen is generally what your doctor will prescribe to treat your infection. Be sure to finish your entire prescription even if your infection appears to have healed. After beginning antibiotics your symptoms are most likely to get better or disappear altogether in just a few days, so be sure to finish your entire prescription to reduce the likelihood of developing a resistance to the drug. [2] X Research source Your doctor will most likely prescribe antibiotics to treat both staphylococcus and streptococcus bacteria. Most of the time you can administer antibiotics to yourself in the comfort of your own home, but if your infection is severe enough to require intravenous antibiotics in order to deeply penetrate the infected area, administration must be done in a hospital.

Physical pain can be caused by an imbalance of energy and acupuncture can help to balance that energy so the pain subsides. Acupuncture can help to kick off your body’s natural instincts to manage pain and discomfort. [3] X Research source

Immobilize the affected area Apply moist heat (like a warm washcloth) 3-4 times a day for 15-20 minutes

Diabetes. Skin disorders. Recent trauma to your skin. A weakened immune system. Liver diseases like cirrhosis or hepatitis. Intravenous drug use. Infectious diseases that cause sores such as chickenpox or shingles. Persistent swelling of your limbs. Circulatory issues that directly affect your veins like varicose veins. Weight issues like obesity

Injuries that caused cracks or breaks. Bites from spiders or insects. Swollen, dry or flaky areas of the skin. Areas of the skin disrupted by surgery. Ulcers of the skin. Fungal infections such as athletes foot. Skin rashes like dermatitis. Lasting skin conditions such as psoriasis or eczema. Foreign objects in the skin. Infections in your bones that are severe and ongoing.

Starts with a small affected area. Usually affects only one side of your body. Redness or swelling. Tenderness or pain. A fever and warmth in the affected area. Dimpling of the skin. Blisters or red spots.

Once bacteria penetrates your skin it can spread very quickly, eventually entering your lymph nodes and bloodstream. Your lymphatic drainage system can be impaired as a result of repeated bouts of cellulitis. Once the bacteria spreads, it can travel deep into the connective tissue known as fascial lining, causing a very serious skin infection called necrotizing fasciitis.

You experience nausea or vomiting Your infection goes from mild to severe rapidly You experience terrible pain or numbness in the affected area You are running a very high fever along with chills The area of the cellulitis is very extensive The area affected is around the eyes (periorbital cellulitis is a medical emergency because of close proximity to the brain) You have diabetes or are immunosuppressed. The affected with cellulitis child is under 2 years of age.

Be sure to share all pertinent information regarding any recent surgeries, open wounds, animal or insect bites, or injuries. Ask questions that will help you to determine the best ways to heal fast. Divulge all the medications you’re taking, including the frequency and dosage. Communicate clearly to your doctor about the symptoms you have been experiencing.

Your doctor may suggest a wound culture to determine if a cut is infected and ascertain the type of bacteria that is infecting it. Blood tests can also help to make a diagnosis and reveal if the bacterial infection has reached the bloodstream. You may get X-rays to detect any foreign objects within your skin that could be causing an infection.