When to worry about cellulitis

Cellulitis commonly causes a warm, red, swollen and tender area. Concern rises when the patch enlarges quickly, pain becomes severe or the skin develops blisters, dark colour or numbness. Fever, chills, unusual weakness or feeling faint are whole-body signs that the infection may be affecting more than the skin. Mark the edge of redness only as a way to describe change; a mark cannot predict severity.

Arrange prompt medical assessment for suspected cellulitis, and take any prescribed antibiotic exactly as directed. Keep the skin clean and covered if there is a break, avoid squeezing the area, and rest with the limb raised when comfortable. If symptoms are not settling as expected or are worsening after treatment begins, contact the treating clinician for reassessment rather than changing the medicine yourself.

Call emergency services or go to an emergency department for confusion, fainting, severe drowsiness, breathing difficulty, cold or clammy skin, rapidly worsening symptoms or pain that seems out of proportion. These can be signs of sepsis or a deeper infection. Seek same-day care for fever, shaking, fast-spreading redness, worsening swelling or a new blistered or dark area. Type 2 Diabetes and reduced immunity lower the threshold for prompt review.

Ask how extensive the infection appears, which changes should be tracked, when improvement should start, whether a wound or blood test is needed, and exactly where to seek help outside clinic hours.