Which statement best describes the management of cellulitis based on severity?

• A. Mild disease treated with oral antibiotics; severe disease treated with IV antibiotics
• B. All cellulitis requires IV antibiotics
• C. Topical antibiotics are sufficient
• D. Antifungal therapy is first-line

Answer: (A)

Severity guides management. Mild cellulitis without systemic symptoms can be treated on an outpatient basis with oral antibiotics that cover common skin pathogens. If the infection is more extensive or there are systemic signs (fever, tachycardia, malaise) or risk factors like diabetes or immunosuppression, intravenous antibiotics are needed and care often occurs in a hospital or monitored setting to ensure rapid drug delivery and close observation. Topical antibiotics cannot treat cellulitis because the infection is in the deeper layers of skin and soft tissue. Antifungal therapy isn’t appropriate because cellulitis is usually caused by bacteria, not fungi. In practice, mild cases use oral agents such as those that cover streptococci and Staphylococcus aureus, while severe cases require IV antibiotics with coverage for common skin pathogens, potentially including MRSA based on risk factors.