Cellulitis and edema: what to know

Edema means fluid has collected in body tissues, often around the ankles or lower legs. It may leave an indentation after pressure and may affect both sides. Cellulitis is an infection that commonly produces one area of warmth, tenderness, redness, and swelling; the edge may expand. Existing edema can stretch and weaken skin, allowing bacteria in, and cellulitis can make swelling worse. A clinician may need to examine the skin and consider circulation, lymph drainage, medication effects, or another cause.

Have new or changing swelling assessed, especially when one side becomes hot, red, or sore. Elevate the limb if that is comfortable and previously advised, protect the skin from cracks, and avoid tight garments over an inflamed area. Do not massage a red, painful limb until a clinician has identified the cause. If cellulitis is diagnosed, use prescribed antibiotics as directed and return for review if the border continues to spread.

Get urgent help for rapidly increasing redness or swelling, severe pain, fever, chills, confusion, faintness, or marked weakness. Sudden swelling with breathlessness or chest pain is also an emergency. These symptoms cannot be safely sorted by appearance alone.

Ask what is driving the edema, whether infection is present, whether compression is suitable for you, and what changes should trigger a repeat examination.