Cellulitis and weeping legs

When inflammation causes substantial swelling, clear or pale fluid can seep through fragile skin or small breaks. Cellulitis may also cause warmth, redness, tenderness and increasing swelling. Weeping is not specific to cellulitis: long-standing swelling, eczema, an ulcer or another skin problem can look similar. A clinician needs to examine the leg, the fluid and any wound.

Seek prompt medical assessment, especially when the redness is spreading or the leg is hot and painful. Gently clean away leakage, pat the skin dry, use a clean absorbent dressing and change it when wet. Do not apply harsh antiseptics, pierce blisters or share towels. Elevate the leg while resting if that is comfortable. Avoid starting compression or leftover antibiotics until a clinician has checked the cause and circulation.

Go to urgent care for rapidly worsening pain, redness or swelling, foul-smelling drainage, dark or blistered skin, fever, shaking, confusion, faintness or marked weakness. These can accompany a severe infection or sepsis. If you have Type 2 Diabetes, poor circulation or an open ulcer, arrange assessment without delay because wounds can deteriorate quietly.

Ask whether the fluid is from infection or swelling, how to dress the area, whether a wound sample is needed, how to reduce swelling safely, and which changes require immediate reassessment.