Go to the emergency room or call 911 if you have a spreading red area with fever or chills, confusion, a rapidly spreading rash, numbness, or skin that turns dark or blistered.
Symptoms
Cellulitis most often affects the lower legs and usually appears on one side of the body. Signs include:
- Red or discolored skin that spreads
- Swelling, warmth and tenderness
- Pain
- Blisters or skin dimpling
- Fever or chills
Who is at risk?
- Cuts, scrapes, burns, insect or animal bites, and surgical wounds
- Skin conditions that break the skin, such as eczema or athlete's foot
- Diabetes or a weakened immune system
- Chronic leg swelling (lymphedema) or poor circulation
- Obesity
- A past episode of cellulitis
Treatment
Most cellulitis clears with a course of oral antibiotics. Resting and raising the affected limb helps reduce swelling. Call us if the redness keeps spreading or you don't feel better within two to three days, because some infections need IV antibiotics in the hospital.
Prevention
- Clean any break in the skin with soap and water and keep it covered
- Moisturize to prevent cracked skin and treat athlete's foot
- If you have diabetes, check your feet every day and wear protective footwear
Frequently asked questions
Is cellulitis contagious?
Cellulitis itself usually does not spread from person to person, but the bacteria that cause it can. Keep wounds covered and wash your hands.
Can cellulitis come back?
Yes. People with leg swelling, athlete's foot or a past infection are more likely to have it again. Treating those conditions lowers the risk.