What should you know about calf cellulitis?

The infection starts when bacteria enter through a break in the skin, such as a cut, crack, bite, ulcer, or fungal infection between the toes. The affected calf may feel hot and tender, and the red area can enlarge over time. Fever or feeling unwell may occur. Cellulitis is different from simple irritation because it involves deeper skin and may worsen without treatment.

Arrange a same-day medical assessment, particularly when redness is expanding or walking is painful. A clinician may prescribe antibiotics and will check whether another problem could resemble infection. Keep the area clean, avoid squeezing or scratching it, and rest with the leg raised when comfortable. Marking the edge of redness with a pen can help you notice spread, but it does not replace examination. Treating athlete’s foot and managing type 2 diabetes may reduce contributing risks when relevant.

Seek urgent help for rapidly spreading redness, severe pain, blistering, purple or black skin, confusion, faintness, breathing difficulty, or a very high temperature. These signs can indicate a serious infection, including sepsis. Do not wait for a routine appointment if you feel suddenly much more unwell.

Ask what may have allowed bacteria through the skin, how soon improvement should begin after treatment, which symptoms mean you need review, and how to care for any wound or foot fungus.