What should you know about start of cellulitis?

Cellulitis is a deeper bacterial skin infection that can enter through a cut, crack, bite, ulcer, or other break in the skin. The affected area may feel hot and tender, with redness and swelling that expand over time. The border may be difficult to see, especially on darker skin tones; warmth, pain, and a change from the surrounding skin can be useful clues.

Most people with cellulitis notice local redness, swelling, and pain. Fever, chills, tiredness, or feeling generally unwell can occur as the infection develops. Athlete's foot, wounds, eczema, swelling, and diabetes can make skin breaks or repeat infections more likely, but a clinician needs to assess the actual cause.

Arrange same-day medical advice when redness, warmth, swelling, or pain is spreading or worsening. Marking the edge with a pen and recording the time can help show whether it is extending, but do not delay care to monitor it. Keep the area clean, avoid squeezing or scratching it, and elevate a swollen limb when comfortable.

Do not use leftover antibiotics or someone else's prescription. A clinician may examine the skin, look for an entry point, and decide whether antibiotic treatment or another approach is appropriate. Tell them about allergies, recent injuries, diabetes, and previous episodes.

Seek urgent care if the redness is spreading quickly, pain is severe or out of proportion, the skin becomes blistered or dusky, or you feel faint, confused, unusually drowsy, or very unwell. Fever with shaking chills, rapid breathing, or a fast heartbeat also needs prompt assessment because a serious infection can worsen beyond the skin.

Ask what may have allowed bacteria through the skin, how to take any prescribed treatment, and which changes should trigger a return visit. Ask whether a wound, fungal infection, eczema, swelling, or diabetes needs attention to reduce the chance of another episode.