Cellulitis - Exams and Tests
SYMPTOMS & TREATMENTS
Doctors often diagnose cellulitis by looking at your symptoms. In most cases, you won't need further testing, and your doctor will prescribe antibiotics.
Sometimes ultrasound will be used to make sure there is not a blood clot in a deep vein. A CT scan or an MRI may also be done to rule out other problems.
If the initial treatment with antibiotics is not effective, your doctor may take samples of your blood and skin to identify the specific bacteria present so he or she can select a more effective antibiotic. Other lab tests usually are not helpful unless bacteremia (bacteria in the blood), sepsis, or another disease is suspected.
| By: | Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: February 14, 2011 |
| Medical Review: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Alexander H. Murray, MD, FRCPC - Dermatology | |
1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
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