Different types of cellulitis

Cellulitis commonly affects one area of an arm, leg or face and causes spreading redness, warmth, swelling and tenderness. It can enter through a cut, cracked skin, insect bite, wound or an untreated fungal infection such as Athlete's Foot. Facial cellulitis deserves particular attention because swelling may approach the eye or mouth. Infection around a wound, ulcer or surgical site may have a different starting point but still needs assessment.

A local skin change does not by itself show how serious an infection is. Fever, chills, marked weakness, fast progression, severe pain or confusion suggest that infection may be affecting more than the skin. People with Type 2 Diabetes or reduced immune defences may need especially prompt review.

Contact a clinician promptly for spreading Skin Redness, Skin Swelling or Painful Skin, particularly when the area is warm or tender. Keep the skin clean, avoid squeezing or scratching it, and remove tight clothing over the area. Elevating an affected limb can reduce pressure while you arrange care. Treatment may require prescription antibiotics; the choice and route depend on examination findings, the suspected source and your general health. Do not use leftover antibiotics.

Seek urgent medical help if redness is spreading quickly, pain is severe or out of proportion, a limb becomes very swollen, or you develop Fever, dizziness, confusion or breathing difficulty. Emergency assessment is needed if you feel faint, become unusually drowsy, or have signs that could indicate Sepsis. Infection near the eye, on the face, or in a person with diabetes should be assessed without delay.

Ask what may have allowed bacteria through the skin, whether you need antibiotics, how soon improvement should begin, and how to mark or monitor the edge of redness. Discuss prevention if cracked skin, Athlete's Foot, swelling or diabetes may raise the risk of another episode.