What should you know about IDSA cellulitis?

Cellulitis commonly presents with a tender, warm, red, swollen area that may expand over time. The skin can feel tight, and fever or feeling unwell may occur. Bacteria can enter through a cut, cracked skin, bite, ulcer, or fungal infection such as [Athlete's Foot](/conditions/athletes-foot/). The appearance can overlap with other problems, so a clinician uses the history and examination to decide whether this is [Cellulitis](/conditions/cellulitis/) or another cause of redness. People with [Type 2 Diabetes](/conditions/type-2-diabetes/) or reduced immune defenses may need especially prompt evaluation.

Arrange same-day medical assessment for a new painful, hot, swollen, or spreading red area. Keep the skin clean, do not squeeze or puncture it, and mark the edge of redness with a pen so progression can be described. Elevating an affected limb may ease swelling while you arrange care. Take prescribed antibiotics exactly as directed and complete the course unless the prescriber changes it. Do not use leftover antibiotics or rely on topical products for a suspected deeper infection. Tell the clinician about allergies, recent wounds, bites, procedures, and medicines.

Seek emergency help for rapidly spreading redness, severe pain, high fever, shaking, confusion, faintness, fast breathing, or marked weakness. These may signal a serious infection or [Sepsis](/conditions/sepsis/). Infection near the eye, on the face, or around a wound also needs urgent assessment. [Fever](/symptoms/fever/), [Painful Skin](/symptoms/skin-pain/), [Skin Redness](/symptoms/skin-redness/), and [Skin Swelling](/symptoms/skin-swelling/) should be described accurately rather than watched at home when they are worsening.

Ask what may have allowed bacteria through the skin, which treatment is appropriate, how quickly improvement should begin, how to protect the area, and which changes mean you should return or seek emergency care.