How to get rid of cellulitis

Cellulitis is an infection affecting deeper layers of skin and nearby tissue. It often causes a tender area of [Skin Redness](/symptoms/skin-redness/), warmth, and [Skin Swelling](/symptoms/skin-swelling/), sometimes with [Painful Skin](/symptoms/skin-pain/) or [Fever](/symptoms/fever/). The edge may enlarge as the infection progresses.

Bacteria can enter through a cut, cracked skin, insect bite, or fungal infection such as [Athlete's Foot](/conditions/athletes-foot/). Diabetes and other health problems may increase the need for careful monitoring.

Contact a clinician promptly for a spreading, warm, or painful red area. Treatment commonly involves an antibiotic selected according to the examination and your health history. Take it exactly as prescribed and complete the course unless the prescriber changes the plan.

Rest the affected limb, keep it raised when practical, drink fluids, and avoid squeezing or piercing the area. Marking the outer edge can help you describe change, but it does not replace review. Ask about treating an entry point such as cracked skin or [Athlete's Foot](/conditions/athletes-foot/).

Get urgent help for rapidly worsening redness or swelling, severe pain, confusion, faintness, breathing difficulty, a very high temperature, or feeling acutely unwell. These can signal a serious infection, including [Sepsis](/conditions/sepsis/). People with [Type 2 Diabetes](/conditions/type-2-diabetes/) should seek advice early for a suspected infection.

Ask what may have allowed bacteria into the skin, which warning signs require escalation, when improvement should be checked, and how to protect any wound or treat a coexisting fungal infection.