What is the first line treatment for non-purulent cellulitis?

The first-line treatment for non-purulent cellulitis is typically a penicillinase-resistant beta-lactam antibiotic, such as cephalexin or dicloxacillin. This is because non-purulent cellulitis is often caused by susceptible strains of Streptococcus and Staphylococcus bacteria, most notably Streptococcus pyogenes. Cephalexin, a first-generation cephalosporin, and dicloxacillin, a penicillinase-resistant penicillin, provide adequate coverage for these organisms and are effective in treating the infection.

In cases of non-purulent cellulitis, the goal is to manage the infection effectively and prevent complications. The choice of antibiotics is based on their ability to penetrate tissues well and achieve therapeutic levels where the infection is located.

Other treatment options listed may have certain uses in different contexts, but they do not serve as first-line treatments for non-purulent cellulitis. Oral doxycycline, for example, is generally used for infections caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) or specific types of skin flora. Topical mupirocin is mainly effective for superficial skin infections and is not sufficient for treating deeper tissue infections like cellulitis. Antihistamines address allergic