Cellulitis

March 20, 2026 | The skin of a human being has many types of bacteria living on it. When there is a break in the skin, these bacteria are capable of causing a skin infection. Staphylococcus and streptococcus bacteria are the most common causes of cellulitis, a common bacterial skin infection. It affects the middle layer of the skin, known as the dermis, and the tissues below. And in some cases, muscle can be affected. The affected skin appears swollen and red and is typically painful and warm to the touch. Cellulitis usually affects the skin on the lower legs, but it can occur in the face, arms and other areas. Left untreated, cellulitis can result in pockets of pus known as abscesses and the infection can spread to the patient’s lymph nodes and bloodstream and rapidly become life-threatening. It isn’t usually spread from person to person and fortunately, most cases of cellulitis are able to be resolved with appropriate antibiotic therapy.

March 20, 2026 | Cellulitis, an infection of the skin, is caused when bacteria like streptococcus or staphylococcus enter the skin through small cracks, or fissures, causing the sudden appearance of redness, swelling, and warmth in the skin. Cellulitis is sometimes accompanied by fever, chills and general fatigue. In some cases, it may cause swollen lymph nodes. It initially appears as pink-to-red minimally inflamed skin. The involved area may rapidly become deeper red, swollen, warm, and tender and increase in size as the infection spreads. Occasionally, red streaks may radiate outward from the cellulitis. It can affect any part of the body but the most common locations are the lower legs, arms and hands or the face. It’s important to identify and treat cellulitis early because the condition can spread rapidly throughout the body. If you have a rash that’s changing rapidly along with a fever, it’s best to seek immediate care.

March 20, 2026 | Several factors can put you at risk for the potentially dangerous skin infection known as cellulitis. Any cut or scrape that gives bacteria an entry point is one. Another is a weakened immune system. Conditions such as diabetes, leukemia and HIV leave you more susceptible to infections. Certain medications also can weaken your immune system. Conditions such as eczema and shingles can cause breaks in the skin, which give bacteria an entry point. Chronic swelling of your arms or legs, a condition known as lymphedema, which sometimes follows surgery, can also lead to cellulitis. Being overweight or obese can increase a person’s risk of developing cellulitis. And, unfortunately, having a history of the infection can make you prone to develop it again. So be aware that recurrent episodes of cellulitis may damage the lymphatic drainage system and cause chronic swelling of the affected limb.

March 20, 2026 | Cellulitis is usually easy to diagnose by examining the infected area. Sometimes your physician may want to get additional information by ordering blood tests or performing a bacterial culture in order to identify the specific bacterium that is causing the cellulitis as well as to test its susceptibility to different antibiotics. You will likely be prescribed antibiotics to be taken by mouth. You may be given pain medicine as well, if needed. At home, raise the infected area higher than your heart to reduce swelling and speed up healing. And rest until your symptoms improve. Cellulitis usually goes away after taking antibiotics for seven to ten days. Longer treatment may be needed if the cellulitis is more severe. This may occur if you have a chronic disease or if your immune system is not working properly. A stay in the hospital may be necessary if you have an infection around the eyes or you require antibiotics taken by an IV.

March 20, 2026 | To protect your skin and reduce your risk of developing the infection cellulitis, be sure to keep your skin moist with lotions or ointments to prevent cracking. Wear shoes that fit well and provide enough room for your feet and be sure to trim your nails to avoid harming the skin around them. It’s also important to wear the appropriate protective equipment when participating in work or sports. If you have an injury that causes a break in the skin, be sure to clean the break carefully with soap and water and apply an antibiotic cream or ointment every day. Cover the wound with a bandage and change it every day until a scab forms. And watch for redness or any other signs of infection. If your doctor prescribes antibiotics, be sure to take the full course of treatment. In addition to prescribing antibiotics, your doctor will likely want to make sure your underlying medical problems, if any, are being adequately managed.