What should you know about care for cellulitis?

Cellulitis is an infection in deeper layers of skin and the tissue beneath it. The affected area may become warm, tender, red and swollen, and the border can expand. A small cut, blister, insect bite or skin condition such as Athlete's Foot can provide an entry point for bacteria.

The appearance can overlap with other causes of Skin Redness, Painful Skin or Skin Swelling, so a clinician may need to examine you rather than relying on a photograph.

Take any prescribed antibiotic exactly as directed and complete the plan unless the prescriber changes it. Rest the affected limb, raise it when practical to reduce swelling, drink fluids if you can, and keep any wound clean and covered. Do not squeeze the area or share towels.

Marking the edge of redness with a pen can help you notice whether it is spreading, but it does not replace medical review. Tell the clinician if you have Type 2 Diabetes, poor circulation, immune problems, or a previous episode.

Contact a clinician promptly for new spreading redness, increasing warmth, swelling or pain, or Fever. Seek emergency care for confusion, faintness, breathing difficulty, severe weakness, rapidly worsening symptoms, or signs that could suggest Sepsis.

Ask what may have allowed the infection to enter, how soon improvement should begin, what to do if a dose is missed, how to protect the skin, and which changes require urgent reassessment.