Cellulitis in plain English

The skin over cellulitis may look red and feel warmer than nearby skin. It can become swollen, sore, tight, or painful, and the affected patch may grow. The infection often enters through a small break that is easy to miss, such as a crack, scratch, insect bite, blister, or surgical wound. A fungal infection such as Athlete's Foot can damage skin between the toes. Type 2 Diabetes and circulation problems can increase the need for early assessment of foot or leg changes.

Contact a healthcare professional as soon as you notice a spreading, hot, tender red area. They may prescribe antibiotics and decide whether you need monitoring, a different route of treatment, or further tests. Follow the label and finish treatment as directed. Wash gently, protect any open area with suitable advice, avoid applying irritating products, and elevate an affected arm or leg. Take a photo or note the edge of redness to describe its progress.

Get urgent help if you develop severe or rapidly worsening pain, fast-spreading redness, Fever, chills, confusion, dizziness, fainting, or unusual drowsiness. Eye or facial swelling, difficulty moving a nearby joint, blisters, numbness, or darkening skin also needs urgent assessment. A serious infection can affect the whole body and may lead to Sepsis. Do not wait for a routine appointment if you feel suddenly very ill.

Ask what the likely entry point was, how to care for the skin, when you should expect the area to stop expanding, and who to contact if it worsens. Tell the clinician about medicine allergies, diabetes, immune conditions, and earlier episodes.