Quick read
Key points
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Cellulitis is a bacterial infection of the deeper layers of the skin, causing an area of redness, warmth, swelling, and tenderness that can spread if untreated. It most commonly affects the legs, though it can occur anywhere, and often develops after a break in the skin, such as a cut, insect bite, or area of dry, cracked skin.
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Topic-specific prevention and risk reduction will be added during the article-specific evidence audit.
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You notice a spreading area of red, warm, tender skin
01 · Know
What is Cellulitis?
Cellulitis is a bacterial infection of the deeper layers of the skin, causing an area of redness, warmth, swelling, and tenderness that can spread if untreated. It most commonly affects the legs, though it can occur anywhere, and often develops after a break in the skin, such as a cut, insect bite, or area of dry, cracked skin.
Cellulitis is treated with antibiotics, and most people improve well with treatment, though it's important to start antibiotics promptly, as the infection can spread and become more serious if delayed.
02 · Understand
Clinical context
Marking the edge of redness helps track progress
Drawing a line around the edge of the red, affected area with a pen when you start treatment makes it easy to see whether the redness is spreading or improving over the following day or two.
03 · Act
When to See a Doctor
- 1You notice a spreading area of red, warm, tender skin
- 2You have a fever alongside the skin changes
- 3The affected area is on the face, or you have diabetes or a weakened immune system
- 4Symptoms aren't improving after starting antibiotics
04 · Prevent & manage
Practical steps
Complete the Full Course of Antibiotics
Even once the redness and swelling improve, completing the entire prescribed course of antibiotics is important to fully clear the infection and prevent it returning.
- 1Take antibiotics exactly as prescribed.Complete the full course, even after symptoms start to improve.
- 2Elevate the affected area if possible.This can help reduce swelling, particularly if the legs are affected.
- 3Mark the edge of the redness.This helps you and your doctor track whether the infection is spreading or improving.
- 4Keep any wound clean and covered.If there's a break in the skin, proper wound care helps prevent further infection.
- 5Seek prompt review if symptoms worsen.Spreading redness or worsening fever despite antibiotics needs reassessment.
Medical information notice
Health education, not individual medical advice
BarnMD Health Library provides general health education for public health literacy. Reading this article does not establish a doctor-patient relationship and this information is not a diagnosis, prescription, or personalised treatment plan. If you have symptoms or concerns about your health, seek appropriate advice from a qualified healthcare professional. If you develop emergency warning signs, seek urgent or emergency medical attention.
BarnMD Bottom Line
Cellulitis is a common bacterial skin infection that responds well to antibiotics, especially when treatment starts promptly.
Rapidly spreading redness, high fever, or severe pain need urgent medical assessment.