Fix small section of drywall that rotted? <photo>

[Paul Winka]

What should I do to fix this? My first inclination is to buy a big tub of red devil spackle and artfully slap it in there with a few spackle knives of different widths, but I know that's not the right way. Note water leak causing the damage has been stopped. Thanks for the help!

[Colleen F.]

@Paul Winka  Assuming this is sheetrock I would cut out the damaged sheet rock, check any wood behind it for mold.  Clean and treat damaged wood.  Then you screw in a new piece of sheet rock and tape and spackle the seams.  The experts can provide more detailed instruction.