Cellulitis caused by Staphylococcus aureus

Staphylococcus aureus can live on skin without causing illness, but a cut, scrape, bite, ulcer or procedure can let it move into deeper tissue. Cellulitis may then cause a tender, warm, swollen area with redness that expands. A visible blister, crust or drainage may occur, although its absence does not rule infection out. Symptoms cannot reliably tell you which bacterium is responsible, and different conditions can resemble cellulitis.

Keep the area clean and covered if skin is open, wash your hands after touching it, and avoid sharing towels or picking at the site. Arrange prompt medical review when redness is spreading or pain and warmth are increasing. The clinician will choose treatment based on the examination, location, severity and relevant health history; do not use leftover antibiotics.

Seek urgent care for rapid progression, severe pain, pus, red streaks, fever, chills, reduced movement or swelling near the eye. Emergency help is needed for confusion, faintness, profound weakness or breathing trouble. Diabetes, poor circulation or reduced immunity lowers the threshold for contacting a clinician.

Ask whether the skin findings fit cellulitis, whether a sample or drainage procedure is relevant, and how to keep the area protected. Tell the clinician about previous resistant infections, recent antibiotics, allergies and any wound that came first.