What should you know about first line treatment for cellulitis?

Cellulitis is a bacterial infection affecting deeper skin layers. People with cellulitis commonly present with a warm, painful, swollen area of redness; fever can occur as well. A clinician checks the skin, looks for an entry point such as a cut or athlete’s foot, and considers allergies, diabetes, immune health and previous antibiotics. Less extensive illness may be managed with prescribed tablets and review. Severe or rapidly progressive infection may require hospital assessment, medicine through a vein or treatment for complications.

Seek assessment for new or expanding redness rather than relying on home treatment. Keep broken skin clean and covered, avoid squeezing the area and raise a swollen limb when comfortable. Take antibiotics exactly as prescribed and report vomiting, a new rash or difficulty taking the medicine. Do not share antibiotics. Treating a fungal infection between the toes may help address a route by which bacteria enter the skin.

Get urgent help if redness spreads rapidly, pain is severe, fever is accompanied by shaking, or you feel confused, faint, very weak or short of breath. Darkening skin, blisters, numbness or swelling near the eye also needs urgent assessment. These signs can accompany a serious infection, including sepsis.

Ask what improvement should look like, when the skin should be reviewed, whether a wound or athlete’s foot needs separate care, and which symptoms mean emergency assessment. Tell the clinician about diabetes, allergies and medicines.