What You Need to Know About Cellulitis

What cellulitis is

Cellulitis is a bacterial infection affecting the deeper layers of the skin and the tissue beneath it. It usually develops quickly and most commonly affects the lower legs, although it can occur anywhere on the body.

It is not just a surface rash. Without treatment, cellulitis can spread through surrounding tissue and, in severe cases, enter the bloodstream. Early medical assessment makes a significant difference.

How cellulitis develops

Cellulitis occurs when bacteria enter through a break in the skin. The opening may be small and easily overlooked.

Common entry points include:

• Cuts or grazes

• Insect bites

• Cracked skin between the toes (for example, from athlete’s foot)

• Surgical wounds

• Eczema or other inflammatory skin conditions

The most common bacteria involved are streptococci and staphylococci.

Symptoms to recognise

Symptoms often appear suddenly and may worsen over hours to days.

Typical features include:

• Redness that spreads

• Swelling

• Warmth over the affected area

• Tenderness or pain

• Skin that looks tight or shiny

Some people also develop fever, chills, fatigue, or swollen lymph nodes nearby. The affected skin may feel firm and appear slightly dimpled, sometimes described as resembling orange peel.

Rapid progression is a key warning sign.

Who has higher risk

Anyone can develop cellulitis, but risk increases if you live with:

• Diabetes

• Poor circulation

• Chronic swelling (lymphoedema)

• Obesity

• A weakened immune system

Repeated episodes may occur if underlying skin conditions remain untreated.

How cellulitis is treated

Cellulitis requires antibiotic treatment. Most cases improve with a 5–10 day course of oral antibiotics prescribed by a GP.

More severe infections, or infections associated with significant fever or spreading redness, may require hospital admission for intravenous antibiotics.

Alongside medication, practical measures help recovery:

• Rest

• Elevation of the affected limb

• Adequate fluid intake

Your doctor may outline the border of redness with a skin marker to monitor whether the infection is shrinking or expanding.

When urgent care is needed

Seek immediate medical attention if you notice:

• Rapidly spreading redness

• Severe pain out of proportion to the skin appearance

• High fever

• Confusion, dizziness, or faintness

• Skin turning dark, purple, numb, or blistered

• Infection around the eye or on the face

These features can signal complications such as deeper tissue infection or sepsis.

Preventing recurrence

Prevention focuses on protecting skin integrity.

Practical steps include:

• Cleaning and covering cuts promptly

• Treating fungal infections such as athlete’s foot

• Moisturising dry or cracked skin

• Managing chronic swelling

• Monitoring skin carefully if you have diabetes

If cellulitis has occurred before, discussing prevention strategies with your GP is worthwhile.

Recovery expectations

With early treatment, most people begin to feel improvement within a few days. Redness may take longer to fade completely. Swelling can persist temporarily, even after the infection settles.

If symptoms worsen after starting antibiotics, or fail to improve within 48 hours, review is important.

This article provides general health information only and does not replace medical advice. Please speak with your GP for personalised care.