What Is Cellulitis?
Cellulitis is an acute bacterial infection of the skin and underlying soft tissues. Cellulitis occurs when bacteria gain access to the body, usually through a break in the skin caused by cuts, wounds, insect bites, or skin conditions. The infection develops as bacteria enter through these entry points, allowing common bacteria such as Streptococcus and Staphylococcus aureus (including MRSA) to cause infection
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If left untreated, cellulitis can spread rapidly and may lead to serious complications such as abscess formation, sepsis, or lymphangitis.
Symptoms of Cellulitis
Other symptoms of cellulitis may also occur in addition to the main signs listed below. It is important to recognize all associated indicators of the infection.
- Redness, swelling, and warmth in the affected skin, often accompanied by swollen skin
- Pain or tenderness
- Skin that may feel tight or glossy
- Fever and chills (in more severe cases)
- Blisters or skin dimpling
- Swollen lymph nodes near the infection
Symptoms often develop quickly and can worsen within hours. Seek medical attention if you notice rapidly spreading redness, severe pain, or systemic symptoms such as fever, especially if the infected area is increasing in size or not improving.
Risk Factors for Cellulitis
While cellulitis is a common bacterial skin infection that can affect anyone, certain risk factors make some individuals more susceptible to developing this painful skin infection. People with a weakened immune system—such as those living with diabetes, undergoing chemotherapy, or taking immunosuppressive medications—are at a higher risk of developing cellulitis. Poor circulation, often seen in individuals with chronic swelling or venous insufficiency, can also increase the likelihood of infection by making it harder for the body to fight off bacteria. Additionally, those with skin conditions like eczema, athlete’s foot, or dermatitis are more prone to bacterial infections because these conditions can cause breaks or cracks in the skin, providing an entry point for bacteria. Recognizing these risk factors is essential, as it allows you to take preventive steps and treat cellulitis early if symptoms arise, reducing the risk of complications and recurrence.
What Causes Cellulitis?
Cellulitis is most commonly caused by bacteria entering the skin through:
- Breaks in the skin (cuts, scrapes, insect bites, surgical wounds)
- Chronic skin conditions (eczema, athlete’s foot, ulcers)
- Swelling of the legs (lymphedema or venous insufficiency)
- Weakened immune system (due to illness or medication)
- Obesity or diabetes
Athlete’s foot and other skin conditions can create cracks or breaks in the skin, providing entry points for bacteria and increasing the risk to develop cellulitis. If left untreated, these skin conditions make it easier for bacteria to enter and cause infection.
Good skin hygiene and prompt care of wounds are important to prevent cellulitis
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How Is Cellulitis Diagnosed?
Diagnosing cellulitis begins with a thorough evaluation by a healthcare professional, who will carefully examine the affected area for classic symptoms of cellulitis, such as redness, swelling, warmth, and tenderness. The doctor will also ask about your medical history and any recent skin injuries or conditions that could have allowed bacteria to enter the skin. In some cases, additional tests—such as blood tests or wound cultures—may be performed to confirm the diagnosis and identify the specific bacteria responsible for the infection. Early diagnosis is vital, as starting antibiotic treatment promptly can help prevent serious complications and ensure a faster recovery. If you notice symptoms of cellulitis, it’s important to seek medical attention right away to protect your health and prevent the infection from spreading.
Case Study: Real Patient Experience
Case: A 54-year-old man with diabetes developed redness and swelling in his lower leg after a minor scratch. Within 24 hours, the area became hot, painful, and rapidly enlarged. He was diagnosed with cellulitis after the healthcare provider was able to diagnose cellulitis based on his symptoms and physical examination. The cellulitis was treated by starting antibiotics promptly. The patient was instructed on the importance of taking antibiotics as prescribed and completing the full course. After 7 days, the infection resolved and his symptoms improved significantly. He was educated on skin care and diabetes management to prevent recurrence, and advised that some cases may require longer treatment if symptoms do not resolve quickly.
— ProHealth Clinic Patient, 2023
Complications of Cellulitis
If cellulitis is left untreated, the bacterial infection can quickly become more serious and even life threatening. The infection may spread to the bloodstream, leading to sepsis, or travel to the lymph nodes, causing them to become swollen and tender. In rare but severe cases, cellulitis can progress to necrotizing fasciitis, a rapidly spreading infection that destroys tissue beneath the skin. Repeated episodes of cellulitis can also result in chronic swelling and long-term damage to the affected limb. It’s crucial to recognize the symptoms of cellulitis early—such as increasing redness, swelling, pain, or flu like symptoms—and seek prompt medical care. Timely treatment can help prevent these serious complications and protect your overall health.
Treatments for Cellulitis
Cellulitis treatment is a multi-step process that aims to control infection, relieve symptoms, and prevent complications. It is important that cellulitis is treated quickly to avoid the infection spreading or causing serious health issues.
- Pain relief: Paracetamol or ibuprofen can help manage pain and reduce fever.
- Antibiotics: A doctor prescribes antibiotics based on the severity and cause of the infection. Mild cellulitis is often managed with oral antibiotics, while more severe cases may require intravenous antibiotics in hospital. Completing the full course as directed is essential for recovery.
- Methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus: In some cases, cellulitis may be caused by methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), which requires special antibiotic consideration.
- Elevation: Raising the affected limb can help reduce swelling.
- Wound care: Keeping the area clean and covered, and following the advice of your healthcare provider, helps prevent further infection.
- Treating underlying conditions: Managing diabetes, eczema, or other risk factors to prevent recurrence.
Prolotherapy
In recent years, Prolotherapy has built its reputation within the medical community for its clinically proven ability to treat cellulitis.
Published research has proven its pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory and regenerative benefits.
Prolotherapy involves injecting a natural regenerative solution with tiny needles. This has been shown to stimulate the production of collagen cells, the small cells needed to help with cellulitis.
As prolotherapy is helping to treat the root cause of cellulitis, it is deemed to be a permanent fix, preventing the symptoms from returning.
Self-Care at Home
While prescribed antibiotics are essential for treating the bacterial infection, there are several self-care steps you can take at home to support your recovery and ease symptoms. Elevating the affected area above the level of your heart can help reduce swelling and discomfort. Applying a cool, damp cloth to the skin may also provide relief from pain and inflammation. Keeping the skin moist with petroleum jelly or a similar product can prevent dryness and cracking, which helps the skin heal more effectively. Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and complete the full course of prescribed antibiotics to ensure proper treatment and avoid complications. These simple self-care measures, combined with medical treatment, can make a significant difference in your recovery from cellulitis.
Wound Care Tips
Proper wound care is a key step in preventing common bacterial skin infections like cellulitis. If you have a skin wound, start by cleaning it gently with soap and water to remove any dirt or bacteria. Applying an antibiotic ointment can help prevent infection, and covering the wound with a clean bandage or dressing will protect it from further irritation. Change the dressing daily and keep the wound moist to promote faster healing. Be alert for symptoms of cellulitis, such as increased redness, swelling, or pus, and seek medical attention if these occur. To further reduce your risk of developing cellulitis, wear protective equipment during activities that could cause skin injuries, and take extra care if you have underlying risk factors. By following these wound care tips, you can help prevent skin infections and ensure that any wounds heal quickly and safely.
When to Seek Medical Help
Seek urgent medical attention if you experience:
- Rapidly spreading redness or swelling
- High fever or chills
- Severe pain
- Signs of confusion or drowsiness
- Red streaks spreading from the area (possible lymphangitis)
Early treatment is crucial to prevent complications such as abscess, sepsis, or tissue damage
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does cellulitis look like?
Cellulitis usually appears as a red, swollen, and warm area of skin that may be tender or painful. The edges are often not well defined, and the area can spread quickly.
Is cellulitis contagious?
Cellulitis itself is not contagious, but the bacteria that cause it can be spread through direct contact with an open wound or broken skin.
How long does it take for cellulitis to heal?
With prompt antibiotic treatment, most cases of cellulitis improve within 7–10 days. Severe or complicated cases may take longer.
Can cellulitis come back?
Yes, cellulitis can recur, especially if underlying risk factors such as poor circulation, diabetes, or skin conditions are not managed.
What happens if cellulitis is left untreated?
Untreated cellulitis can lead to serious complications, including abscess formation, sepsis, and permanent tissue damage. Always seek medical advice if you suspect cellulitis.
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Author Bio
Having performed over 10,000 procedures, Mr Eaton is one of the UK’s leading practitioners in the field of treating cellulitis, with patients travelling to see him from across the UK, Europe, and the Middle East.
With over 12 years of clinical experience, Oliver is dedicated to helping patients understand their symptoms associated with cellulitis and providing effective treatment options to alleviate them.
He qualified in Prolozone Therapy and Prolotherapy in America with the American Academy of Ozonotherapy. He continued on to complete further qualifications at the Royal Society of Medicine, Charing Cross Hospital in London, Keele University’s Anatomy & Surgical Training Centre, and the medical department of Heidelberg University in Germany.
Over the years he has had the privilege of treating many elite-level athletes, including both Olympic and Commonwealth medallists.
References
- Stevens DL, Bisno AL, Chambers HF, et al. Practice Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Skin and Soft Tissue Infections: 2014 Update by the Infectious Diseases Society of America. Clin Infect Dis. 2014;59(2):e10-e52. Read guideline
- NHS. Cellulitis. 2023. NHS Cellulitis Guide
- Mayo Clinic. Cellulitis: Symptoms and causes. 2024. Mayo Clinic