From the Research
For cellulitis, topical treatments alone are generally not recommended as primary therapy since this is a deeper skin infection requiring systemic antibiotics. However, mupirocin (Bactroban) cream or ointment may be prescribed as an adjunct therapy for superficial areas or to treat associated minor skin breaks, as suggested by recent guidelines 1. Apply a thin layer to the affected area three times daily. For symptomatic relief during antibiotic treatment, you can use plain petroleum jelly to keep the skin moisturized, or a mild anti-inflammatory cream containing 1% hydrocortisone to reduce redness and discomfort.
It's crucial to understand that cellulitis is a bacterial infection that spreads beneath the skin and typically requires oral or intravenous antibiotics prescribed by a healthcare provider, as highlighted in a review of current practice guidelines 2. Topical treatments should only complement systemic therapy, not replace it. If you have cellulitis symptoms (spreading redness, warmth, swelling, and pain), seek medical attention promptly as the infection can worsen rapidly without proper treatment. The choice of antibiotic and route of administration should be determined by patient history and risk factors, severity of clinical presentation, and the most likely microbial culprit, as discussed in a systematic review and meta-analysis 3.
Some key points to consider when treating cellulitis include:
- The importance of systemic antibiotics in treating the infection
- The potential use of topical treatments as adjunct therapy for superficial areas or minor skin breaks
- The need to seek medical attention promptly if symptoms worsen or do not improve with treatment
- The importance of individualizing treatment based on patient factors and the severity of the infection, as suggested by a systematic review and meta-analysis of the effectiveness and harms of antibiotic treatment 4.
Overall, the management of cellulitis requires a comprehensive approach that takes into account the severity of the infection, patient factors, and the potential benefits and harms of different treatment strategies, as discussed in a review of pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management 2.