Cellulitis: what to know now

The affected area may become red, warm, swollen and tender, and the redness can expand. It can occur after a cut, bite, cracked skin or another break in the skin. Athlete's Foot can create an entry point between the toes. A skin infection is different from simple irritation because inflammation is accompanied by increasing warmth, pain or swelling.

Arrange a same-day clinical assessment if cellulitis is suspected. A clinician may diagnose it by examining the skin and asking how it began; antibiotics are selected according to the presentation, allergies and medical history. Keep the area clean, avoid squeezing or scratching it, and raise an affected limb when resting. Marking the edge of redness can help you describe whether it is spreading, but it does not replace review.

Seek urgent help for rapidly spreading redness or swelling, severe or escalating pain, a high temperature or shaking, confusion, faintness, unusual sleepiness, or difficulty breathing. These symptoms can signal a serious infection such as sepsis. People with Type 2 Diabetes, poor circulation or reduced immunity should seek advice promptly because skin infections may need closer monitoring.

Ask what features support cellulitis, which treatment is appropriate for you, how soon improvement should begin, how to care for the skin, and what change should prompt a return visit.