Cellulitis

What is cellulitis?

Cellulitis is a common skin infection. You can get cellulitis when bacteria enter your skin through a break like a cut, scrape or insect bite. 

Most of the time, these minor injuries heal on their own. But sometimes, that opening in the skin creates an opportunity for germs to enter and infect the skin and the tissue under it.

Cellulitis is often mild and treatable, but sometimes it can lead to severe complications. Knowing the signs of infection and when to seek care can help you recover. Learn more about the symptoms of cellulitis, how it’s treated and steps you can take to lower your risk. 

What are the symptoms of cellulitis?

Cellulitis can appear anywhere on the body but it’s most common on the legs, arms and face. 

Common symptoms of cellulitis include: 

• Redness or darkness. It’s normal to see redness or darkness when you injure your skin. With cellulitis, the red or dark area may spread out from the injury. 
• Swelling and warmth 
• Pain or tenderness
• Skin that looks stretched, shiny or tight
• Blisters

More serious symptoms may include: 

• General symptoms of infection such as fever, chills, dizziness, muscle aches or fatigue
• Pus, blisters, abscesses or drainage
• A rash that’s spreading quickly
• Brown to red streaks that extend out from the injured area
• Symptoms that get worse even though you’re treating them

If you notice these symptoms or the infection is near your eye or ear, seek medical attention right away. Early treatment can reduce your risk of complications.

What causes cellulitis?

Cellulitis develops when bacteria - most often Streptococcus (strep) or Staphylococcus aureus (staph) - enter the skin. These germs live on your skin and in your nose and mouth and can enter the skin if it’s injured.

A strain of bacteria called methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) can cause more serious infections that are harder to treat. 

These germs can enter your skin anywhere there’s a break, such as:

• Cuts or scrapes
• Dry or flaky skin
• Wounds from surgery, piercings or tattoos
• Insect or animal bites
• Athlete’s foot, dermatitis, eczema, shingles, psoriasis or other skin conditions that cause cracks

Who is at risk for cellulitis?

Understanding your risks can help you prevent cellulitis. You may be more likely to develop cellulitis if you have: 

• A weakened immune system from diabetes, cancer, HIV/AIDS, leukemia or certain medications 
• Poor circulation or edema (swelling) in the legs 
• Obesity
• A sedentary lifestyle
• Chronic skin conditions
• Previously had cellulitis

Note: Cellulitis is not contagious. You can't catch it from someone else. 

How is cellulitis diagnosed?

To diagnose a case of cellulitis, your provider will perform a physical exam to check for signs of infection and symptoms of cellulitis. They may draw a line around the area to see if the redness or darkness is spreading.

They may recommend tests to confirm the diagnosis, including: 

• Bacterial culture to identify the type of bacteria causing the infection. Knowing the type of bacteria means you can get the right antibiotic to fight it.
• Blood tests to see if the infection has spread. 
• Imaging tests, such as ultrasound or MRI, to look for deeper infections.

Your provider may also check for other conditions, such as chronic (long-lasting) leg swelling or dermatitis, that could cause symptoms similar to cellulitis.

How is cellulitis treated?

Cellulitis won’t go away on its own. It usually improves with antibiotics, which are often taken by mouth. Most cases respond well to medications like penicillin, dicloxacillin or cephalexin.

Tips for recovery:

• Take all prescribed antibiotics, even if you feel better
• Elevate the affected area to reduce swelling
• Apply a cool, damp cloth to the skin
• Use antibiotic ointment if recommended
• Cover wounds and keep them clean
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers, if needed

If the infection is more serious or caused by MRSA, you may need IV antibiotics in a hospital.

Contact your provider if symptoms don’t improve after a few days of treatment—you may need a different antibiotic or additional care.

What are the complications of cellulitis?

Getting treatment quickly and taking all of your medication as directed lowers your risk of complications. Untreated cellulitis can spread from the skin to the bloodstream and lymph nodes and become life-threatening. It can reach your muscles and bones.

Possible complications include: 

• Abscesses or pockets of pus that need to be drained 
• Bacteremia, sepsis or toxic shock syndrome (bloodstream infections) 
• Endocarditis (heart lining or valve infection)
• Osteomyelitis (bone infection)
• Damage to your lymphatic system and permanent swelling in the infected area 
• Necrotizing fasciitis, a rare, life-threatening infection that can destroy skin, muscle and fat

How to prevent cellulitis

You can lower your risk of cellulitis by protecting your skin and managing any underlying health conditions.

General tips to protect your skin:

• Clean cuts and scrapes right away with soap and water
• Apply ointment or cream and cover with a clean bandage
• Replace the bandage daily and keep the wound clean
• See your provider if you notice redness, discomfort or pus
• Moisturize dry skin to prevent cracks
• Treat conditions like athlete’s foot promptly
• Wear gloves when gardening or working outdoors
• Follow post-surgery wound care instructions
• Take medications as prescribed and attend regular checkups
• Talk to your provider about ways to prevent cellulitis if you've had it before

If you have diabetes or poor circulation, take extra steps to protect your skin:

• Inspect your feet every day for any cuts, scrapes or sores
• Moisturize your skin to prevent cracking or peeling
• Be gentle when trimming fingernails and toenails to avoid cuts
• Wear shoes and gloves that protect your feet and hands
• Treat any minor skin infection as soon as it starts

When should you see a doctor for cellulitis?

Get medical attention right away for: 

• Redness or darkness that is spreading quickly or swelling 
• High fever or chills 
• Skin that becomes numb, tingling or dark near the infection
• Symptoms that get worse after you start treatment

Why choose Banner Health for cellulitis care?

At Banner Health, we provide fast, expert care for cellulitis and other skin infections. Our specialists in infectious disease and wound care offer a full range of treatment options, including:

• Accurate diagnosis and testing
• Oral and IV antibiotics
• Advanced care for MRSA and severe infections
• Follow-up care to help prevent recurrence

If you notice symptoms of cellulitis or are recovering from a skin injury, don’t wait. Schedule an appointment today and get the care you need to heal.