Does cellulitis cause facial swelling?

Cellulitis is a bacterial infection of the deeper layers of skin and the tissue beneath it. On the face, the area may become warm, tender, red or darker than the surrounding skin, and increasingly puffy. The boundary can be hard to define. A skin break, spot, wound, dental problem, or nearby infection can sometimes provide a route for bacteria, although a clear entry point is not always seen. Facial swelling also has other causes, so an examination is needed to identify the problem.

Arrange same-day medical assessment for new or worsening facial swelling, especially with skin pain, redness, or feeling unwell. A clinician can examine the skin, eyes, mouth, and teeth and decide whether antibiotics or other treatment are needed. Until you are assessed, avoid squeezing spots or applying harsh products to the area. Take prescribed medicine exactly as directed and tell the clinician if symptoms spread or fail to improve.

Seek emergency care immediately if swelling involves the eye, vision changes, eye pain, severe headache, confusion, trouble breathing, trouble swallowing, or swelling of the lips or tongue. Urgent assessment is also appropriate for rapidly spreading redness, severe pain, a high temperature, or marked drowsiness.

Ask whether the swelling is consistent with cellulitis or another cause, whether the eye or teeth need review, and how to monitor the skin edge. Ask when to seek reassessment if the swelling changes after treatment begins.