What should you know about C-section cellulitis?

Cellulitis affects deeper layers of skin and can spread beyond the incision. The surrounding skin may become increasingly red, warm, tender, swollen, or painful. The wound may ooze, open, or develop an unpleasant smell, although these changes are not present in every case. A healing incision can be mildly sore, so a change that is worsening rather than settling is more concerning. Athlete’s foot, diabetes, or another break in the skin can increase infection risk, but only an examination can identify the cause.

Contact your maternity, surgical, or primary-care team promptly if infection is suspected. Keep the incision clean and dry, wash your hands before touching it, and follow the wound-care instructions you were given. Do not squeeze the wound or apply leftover antibiotics, antiseptics, or creams without advice. A clinician may check the incision, drainage, temperature, and your general condition, then decide whether prescription treatment or wound care is needed.

Get urgent help for rapidly spreading redness, severe or escalating pain, marked swelling, pus, wound separation, high fever, confusion, faintness, fast breathing, or feeling suddenly very unwell. These can signal a serious infection, including sepsis, and should not wait for a routine appointment.

Ask whether the incision is healing normally, whether a swab or other assessment is needed, how to dress and wash it, and which warning signs require emergency care. Mention diabetes, allergies, breastfeeding, and any medicines you take.