Cellulitis emedicine: what to know

The affected area may become red, warm, swollen, tender, and increasingly painful. The border can expand as inflammation spreads through nearby tissue. Cellulitis often starts when bacteria enter through a cut, crack, bite, wound, ulcer, or irritated skin. Athlete's Foot can create openings between the toes, while Type 2 Diabetes may make foot skin problems harder to heal. A clinician usually assesses the skin and your general health; tests are considered when the diagnosis or severity is unclear.

Arrange medical care promptly, particularly if redness is enlarging or you feel unwell. Treatment commonly involves an antibiotic selected for the suspected bacteria and the infection's location. Take it exactly as prescribed and complete the course unless the prescriber changes the plan. Keep the area clean, avoid squeezing or scratching it, rest the affected limb, and raise it when comfortable. Marking the edge of redness can help you notice change, but it does not replace review.

Seek urgent help for rapidly spreading redness, severe pain, high Fever, confusion, faintness, breathing difficulty, or marked weakness. Emergency assessment is also warranted if swelling involves the face or eye, movement becomes difficult, or a wound looks unusually dark or blistered. These features can signal a deeper infection or Sepsis. People with diabetes, poor circulation, reduced immunity, or recurrent infections should seek advice early.

Ask which skin break may have allowed infection in, how quickly improvement should begin, whether the area needs a dressing, and what changes should trigger a review. Mention allergies, recent antibiotics, diabetes, circulation problems, and any previous cellulitis.