Why cellulitis can cause fever

Cellulitis is an infection in the deeper skin and soft tissue. When the body recognises infection, immune signals can reset temperature control and produce fever, chills, sweating, tiredness and aching. Fever is a common presentation of Cellulitis. The infected area may also become red, warm, swollen, painful or expand over time. Fever can occur for many reasons, so it should be considered alongside the skin changes and the overall way you feel.

Contact a clinician promptly for a new painful, hot, red or swollen area of skin, particularly if fever is present. Treatment may be needed to control the infection. Take prescribed medicines as directed, rest and drink fluids if you can. Note whether the redness is spreading, whether pain is increasing, and whether you are feeling more unwell. Do not use leftover antibiotics or share medicines with someone else.

Seek urgent medical help for confusion, fainting, severe weakness, rapid breathing, a racing heartbeat, rapidly spreading redness, severe pain, or fever with marked deterioration. Urgent assessment is also needed if cellulitis is near the eye or if you have trouble breathing or swallowing. These changes can signal a more serious infection or another urgent condition.

Ask whether your skin changes and fever fit cellulitis, how to monitor the affected area, and when the treatment plan should be reviewed. Ask which symptoms indicate that you need urgent care rather than waiting for a routine appointment.