Print Print
CKS is no longer commissioned by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE). NICE remains committed to providing a replacement service for CKS and is currently reviewing its options. In the meantime, although CKS content is now not being maintained, it still remains relevant and will continue to be made available. CKS content was generated under a programme of topic creation and update. To check if the topic you are viewing is current or out of date, please refer to the topic publication details by clicking on the 'How up-to-date is this topic?' link in the left hand menu on individual topic pages.

Cellulitis - acute - Management
How should I follow up a person with cellulitis?

  • Consider arranging follow up after 7 days of treatment with an antibiotic. If there is no substantial improvement, assess compliance, and continue treatment for a further 7 days. If swabs were taken, use sensitivity results to guide treatment. Consider referral if extended treatment is ineffective.
  • Advise the person to seek immediate advice if antibiotics are not tolerated, skin signs worsen after 48 hours (although warn them that there may be an initial increase in redness), or if systemic symptoms develop or worsen (e.g. high temperature, or nausea and vomiting).

© NHS Institute for Innovation and Improvement