What should you know about most common cause cellulitis?

Skin normally blocks bacteria. A small opening can let bacteria move into deeper skin and nearby tissue, where inflammation produces expanding redness, warmth, swelling, and pain. Cracks between the toes from Athlete's foot, ulcers, surgery, eczema, and insect bites can provide an entry point. Type 2 Diabetes and swelling of a limb may make skin injury or healing problems more likely. Cellulitis can affect the face, arms, legs, or other regions. A red patch has several possible causes, so diagnosis depends on examination rather than colour alone.

Clean a minor break in the skin with running water, cover it with a clean dressing, and avoid picking or squeezing the area. If redness is spreading or the skin is becoming warmer, more swollen, or more painful, arrange prompt assessment. A clinician may prescribe antibiotics when cellulitis is diagnosed. Take them exactly as directed and do not use leftover medicine. Keep any follow-up appointment if symptoms are not clearly improving.

Seek same-day care for spreading redness, increasing pain, pus, fever, or swelling near the eye. Emergency help is needed for confusion, severe drowsiness, faintness, breathing difficulty, or rapid deterioration, which can occur with a serious infection such as sepsis. Seek early advice for a foot wound or skin infection if you have diabetes, poor circulation, or reduced immunity.

Ask where the bacteria may have entered, whether the infection involves deeper tissue, how to monitor the edge of redness, and when improvement should begin. Discuss prevention of recurrent cracks, wounds, or Athlete's foot if those problems are present.