What should you know about cellulitis inflammation?

Cellulitis affects tissue beneath the surface of the skin, often after bacteria enter through a cut, crack, bite, ulcer or other opening. The area may become warm, red, swollen and sore, and the redness can spread beyond its starting point. A break in the skin between the toes, including Athlete's Foot, can provide an entry point. Skin appearance alone cannot confirm the diagnosis, because allergic reactions and other conditions can look similar.

Arrange a medical assessment promptly, especially when redness is expanding or the skin is increasingly painful. A clinician may prescribe antibiotics and will choose the route and duration according to the examination and your health. Take the medicine exactly as directed and finish the prescribed course unless the prescriber changes it. Keep the area clean, avoid squeezing or scratching it, and raise an affected arm or leg when resting. A simple mark at the edge of redness can help show whether it is spreading.

Seek urgent medical help if you feel very unwell, develop Fever, confusion, faintness, fast breathing, severe pain, rapidly spreading redness, blistering, numbness or skin turning dark. These signs can indicate a more serious infection, including Sepsis. Do not wait for home care to settle symptoms when the infection is near the eye, on the face, over a joint, or in a person with Type 2 Diabetes or reduced immunity.

Ask what may have allowed bacteria through the skin, how soon improvement should begin, and what to do if redness extends after treatment starts. Mention previous antibiotic reactions, diabetes, circulation problems, immune conditions, recent wounds and any new medicine.