In cellulitis with a penicillin allergy, what is appropriate treatment for a minor infection?

In cases of cellulitis where a patient has a known penicillin allergy, the treatment options need to be carefully chosen to ensure effectiveness while avoiding allergic reactions. Oral clindamycin is an appropriate treatment for minor infections in this scenario because it has good coverage for the common pathogens responsible for cellulitis, which often include Streptococcus and Staphylococcus species.

Clindamycin not only effectively targets these bacteria but also has the added benefit of being able to be given orally for outpatient management, making it convenient for a minor infection. This is particularly relevant for patients who might not require hospitalization or intravenous therapy.

In contrast, IV vancomycin, while effective for more severe infections and resistant organisms, is generally reserved for cases where there is a higher concern for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and where an intravenous route is warranted. Oral cephalexin, a first-generation cephalosporin, is typically contraindicated in patients with a penicillin allergy due to potential cross-reactivity. IV cefazolin shares similar concerns as it is a beta-lactam antibiotic and thus may trigger allergic reactions in susceptible individuals. Therefore, clindamycin stands out as the safest and most suitable option for treating