What is the best antibiotic for cellulitis?
Flucloxacillin (if no penicillin allergy).
Well, that is a good choice when an oral antibiotic is required for a mild case. It’s more complicated, of course [“oh yeah? really? never thought you would say that” CKDEx Ed] – see ‘management of cellulitis’ below.
What is cellulitis?
Cellulitis is a common acute bacterial skin infection that affects the deeper layers of the skin and subcutaneous tissues. It is usually spontaneous but can be secondary to skin injuries, insect bites or foreign bodies in the skin. Any break in the skin can lead to cellulitis.
Typical cellulitis
What bacteria cause cellulitis?
The most common bacteria causing cellulitis are Streptococcus pyogenes and Staphylococcus aureus.
Other resources
10 cellulitis facts
Management of cellulitis (NHS Tayside)
Review article: Brown, 2023
Last Reviewed on 20 April 2024