Overview
Cellulitis is a bacterial infection of the deeper layers of the skin and the tissue beneath, most often on the lower legs. It makes an area of skin red, swollen, warm and tender, and it can spread quickly. Unlike a simple rash, cellulitis can make a person feverish and unwell and, if untreated, the infection can spread into the blood. It needs prompt antibiotics, so early recognition matters.
Symptoms
- An area of red, swollen, warm skin
- Tenderness and pain over the area
- Skin that feels tight and looks stretched or shiny
- Fever and chills
- Red streaks spreading from the area or swollen glands
When to see a doctor
See a doctor promptly for a spreading area of red, warm, painful skin, especially with fever.
Emergency — call 108 or go to the nearest hospital
- Rapidly spreading redness, high fever, severe pain out of proportion to the skin, blistering or feeling very unwell — go to a hospital immediately
Causes
Bacteria entering through a break in the skin — a cut, insect bite, ulcer, athlete's foot or dry cracked skin. Diabetes and poor circulation raise the risk.