Cellulitis treatment during pregnancy

Cellulitis is a bacterial infection of deeper skin layers. It may cause a red, warm, swollen, tender area that expands, sometimes with fever or feeling unwell. Pregnancy does not make every red patch cellulitis: stretching, irritation, insect bites, and other skin conditions can look similar. A clinician examines the area, checks your general health, and asks about allergies, pregnancy stage, medicines, and any wound or procedure. Tell them if you have diabetes or a history of severe skin infection.

Arrange prompt medical review rather than choosing an over-the-counter antibiotic or waiting for the area to settle. If an antibiotic is needed, the prescriber selects one appropriate to your situation and gives instructions on dose and duration. Take it as prescribed and report rash, breathing difficulty, severe diarrhoea, or inability to keep it down. Keep the skin gently clean and covered if broken, avoid squeezing it, and bring your antenatal medicines and allergy information to the appointment. Do not stop regular treatment without advice.

Get urgent help for rapidly spreading redness, severe pain, marked swelling, high temperature, faintness, confusion, fast breathing, or sudden severe illness. Swelling near the eye, vision changes, or breathing difficulty needs immediate attention. Contact your maternity team as well when you feel unusually unwell or cannot drink. A serious infection can affect the whole body, including sepsis, so pregnancy should not delay emergency care.

Ask which treatment is suitable at your stage of pregnancy, whether the area needs drainage or review, how to care for the skin, and which symptoms require maternity or emergency support.