What should you know about suppurative cellulitis?

Cellulitis causes spreading inflammation in the skin and tissues beneath it. Suppuration means pus is present, either draining through a break in the skin or held in a pocket. The area may feel hot, tender, swollen and increasingly red. A small wound, insect bite, fungal infection such as Athlete's Foot, or another break in the skin can provide an entry point. Diabetes can make skin infections harder to manage.

Arrange same-day clinical assessment, especially when redness is expanding, pain is increasing, or drainage is present. A clinician may examine the area, decide whether a collection needs drainage, and prescribe treatment when appropriate. Keep the area clean and covered with a fresh dressing, wash your hands before and after touching it, and avoid squeezing or puncturing the skin. Rest the affected limb and follow prescribed treatment exactly.

Seek urgent care for fever, confusion, faintness, rapidly spreading redness, severe pain, marked swelling, red streaks, or feeling suddenly very unwell. These features can signal a serious worsening infection, including Sepsis. Do not wait for home care to work when symptoms are progressing.

Ask whether pus needs drainage, how to care for the dressing, which changes should trigger review, and how to reduce recurrence from wounds, Athlete's Foot or Type 2 Diabetes.