Learn the signs when cellulitis is healing

Phil Mitchell MD, MS
Medically reviewed by Phil Mitchell MD, MS

What are the signs that cellulitis is healing?

A few days after you start taking antibiotics, you should experience relief from cellulitis symptoms. Signs that the infection is healing include:

  • Decreased swelling
  • Lightening of the rash’s color (cellulitis often appears purple, gray or brown on darker skin tones and red or pink on light skin tones)
  • Reduced pain or tenderness
  • Relief from a feeling of firmness or hardness

It may take a few days to notice these signs of healing. If the rash doesn’t improve within 5 days, contact your healthcare provider.