From the Guidelines
Cellulitis on a finger requires prompt treatment with oral antibiotics such as cephalexin (500 mg four times daily), dicloxacillin (500 mg four times daily), or clindamycin (300-450 mg three times daily) for 5 days, as this duration has been shown to be as effective as a 10-day course if clinical improvement has occurred by 5 days 1. While waiting to see a healthcare provider, elevate the affected finger, apply warm compresses for 15 minutes several times daily, and take over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen as needed. Some key points to consider in the treatment of cellulitis include:
- Keeping the area clean by gently washing with soap and water, then applying a thin layer of antibiotic ointment and covering with a sterile bandage.
- Elevation of the affected area to promote gravity drainage of the edema and inflammatory substances.
- Treatment of any underlying condition that may have predisposed to the infection, such as tinea pedis, venous eczema, or trauma. Medical attention is necessary as cellulitis is a bacterial infection that can spread without proper treatment. Signs that require immediate medical care include:
- Red streaking up the arm
- Fever
- Increasing pain
- Pus drainage People with diabetes, weakened immune systems, or those not improving within 48 hours of starting antibiotics should seek prompt medical evaluation. Cellulitis occurs when bacteria, typically Streptococcus or Staphylococcus, enter through breaks in the skin, causing inflammation, redness, swelling, and pain. It is essential to note that the treatment should be individualized based on the patient's clinical response, and the recommended duration of antimicrobial therapy may need to be extended if the infection has not improved within the initial 5-day period 1.
From the Research
Treatment for Cellulitis of the Finger
- The treatment for cellulitis, including cellulitis of the finger, typically involves the use of antibiotics, with the goal of targeting the most likely causative pathogens, such as β-hemolytic streptococci or methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus 2.
- Oral antibiotics such as penicillin, amoxicillin, and cephalexin are often sufficient for non-purulent, uncomplicated cases of cellulitis 2.
- The duration of antibiotic therapy can vary, with some studies suggesting that a short course of 5 days may be as effective as a standard 10-day course for uncomplicated cellulitis 3.
- In some cases, the addition of an oral anti-inflammatory agent, such as ibuprofen, to antibiotic therapy may help to hasten the resolution of cellulitis-related inflammation 4.
- For recurrent or severe cases of cellulitis, alternative treatment approaches, such as the use of oral tedizolid, may be considered 5.
- The optimal route of antibiotic administration (oral vs. intravenous) for cellulitis treatment is currently being investigated in a systematic review and meta-analysis, with the goal of providing evidence-based guidelines for clinicians 6.