What are the features of cellulitis?

Cellulitis affects deeper skin tissue, so the area often feels warmer, firmer or more painful than the surrounding skin. Redness may be easier to see on some skin tones, while on others the change may look brown, purple or grey. Swelling can make the skin feel tight. The border may enlarge over time, and nearby lymph nodes can feel sore. Fever, chills or tiredness may occur when the body is responding to the infection. A clinician may need to distinguish this pattern from an abscess, eczema, contact irritation, a bite or another cause of skin redness.

Arrange medical assessment when skin redness, warmth, swelling or pain is new and worsening. Keep any cut or blister gently clean and covered, and avoid breaking a blister or pressing on a tender lump. Resting and elevating an affected limb may ease swelling, but facial or rapidly changing symptoms still need prompt advice. Share a list of medicines and allergies, and mention Athlete's Foot, recent surgery, bites, wounds or Type 2 Diabetes.

Seek urgent care if the area is spreading quickly, pain is severe or out of proportion, or you develop fever, shaking chills or marked weakness. Emergency help is needed for confusion, faintness, breathing trouble, difficulty swallowing, or swelling around the eye. These may indicate a more serious infection, including Sepsis.

Ask whether the skin pattern is consistent with cellulitis, whether a wound or abscess is present, and what changes should be monitored at home. Clarify how to take treatment, when improvement should be checked, and which symptoms require emergency help.