What should you know about soft tissue cellulitis?

Cellulitis can enter through a small cut, cracked skin, bite, wound or fungal infection between the toes. The affected area may feel hot, tender, tight or painful, and redness or swelling may expand over time. It can occur on many body areas, including a leg, arm or face. Athlete’s foot can create breaks in the skin that allow bacteria to enter.

Cellulitis is different from a surface rash because the infection involves deeper tissue. Type 2 diabetes, poor circulation, swelling or a weakened immune system can make assessment especially important. A clinician may examine the skin and decide whether antibiotics or other treatment are needed.

Arrange prompt medical assessment when new painful redness, warmth or swelling is spreading. Keep the area clean, avoid squeezing it, and elevate an affected limb if that is comfortable. Marking the edge of redness can help you notice whether it is extending, but it does not replace examination. Take prescribed treatment exactly as directed and complete the course unless the prescriber changes it.

Check feet and skin folds for cracks, blisters or fungal changes, while avoiding irritants on the inflamed area. Do not share towels or scratch the skin. A clinician can advise on wound care and how to reduce repeated episodes.

Seek urgent medical help for rapidly spreading redness, severe pain, high fever, confusion, faintness, fast breathing, marked weakness, purple or blistered skin, or redness around an eye. These features can signal a serious infection, including sepsis. Facial involvement, diabetes, immune suppression or an inability to keep fluids down also warrants prompt attention.

Where is the infection likely to have entered? Do I need antibiotics, a wound culture or follow-up? How should I care for the skin at home? Could athlete’s foot, swelling or diabetes be raising my risk of recurrence? Which changes mean I should return urgently?