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Cellulitis
Cellulitis is a bacterial infection of the skin and the tissue beneath it. It causes a red, warm, painful area that can spread quickly and needs antibiotics.
Causes & risk factors
- Bacteria entering through a break in the skin
- Cuts, insect bites, ulcers or athlete's foot
- Swelling in the legs (poor circulation)
- Diabetes or a weak immune system
- Skin conditions like eczema
Common symptoms
- Red, spreading area of skin
- Warm, swollen and tender skin
- Fever
- Swollen nearby lymph nodes
- Blistering in some cases
Tests & diagnosis
- Usually diagnosed by examination
- Full blood count (CBC)
- CRP
- Wound swab if there is a break in the skin
Treatment & management
- Antibiotics as prescribed
- Resting and raising the affected limb
- Pain relief
- Treating the entry point (cut, ulcer, fungal infection)
- Hospital antibiotics if severe or spreading fast
When to see a doctor urgently
- Rapidly spreading redness with high fever — urgent care
- Severe pain out of proportion to the skin — emergency (rare serious infection)
- Redness near the eye or face
- Cellulitis with diabetes or a weak immune system
Not a diagnosis. MedDroid gives general educational information about cellulitis. It cannot examine you, diagnose or prescribe — always confirm with a qualified doctor.
Frequently asked questions
Is cellulitis contagious?
Cellulitis itself is not usually spread person to person, but keeping wounds clean and covered helps prevent infection.
How quickly should it improve?
With antibiotics, redness and pain usually start improving within a few days. Tell your doctor if it spreads or worsens.
Explore more
Sources & further reading
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.