Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsCausesTypesDiagnosisTreatmentComplicationsPreventionWhen to Seek Care
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
Causes
Types
Diagnosis
Treatment
Complications
Prevention
When to Seek Care
Cellulitis can cause redness, skin swelling, pain, heat at the site, and possibly fever. It is not contagious and typically affects only one site in the body at a time (for example, just one leg). Antibiotics are used to treat cellulitis but it’s common for an infection to relapse (recur).
Cellulitis symptoms include redness, swelling, and pain in the skin. It can also cause the skin to blister and peel. While cellulitis can occur anywhere on the body, it is most common on:
Sometimes, red streaks extend from the original site of the infection. Additional symptoms also include:
Cellulitis is a serious bacterial infection of the skin. If left untreated, cellulitis can spread and cause complications. If you have symptoms of cellulitis, see your healthcare provider.
Pictures of What Cellulitis Looks Like
The following pictures of cellulitis on legs and feet offer a sense of how affected skin may look in both early stages and further on.
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoDR P. MARAZZI / SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Getty Images
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See Photo
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.
DR P. MARAZZI / SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Getty Images
Wendy Townrow / Getty Images
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoReproduced with permission from © DermNet New Zealandwww.dermnetnz.org2023.
Reproduced with permission from © DermNet New Zealandwww.dermnetnz.org2023.
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoLagunaticPhoto / Getty Images
LagunaticPhoto / Getty Images
It can affect those who have swelling in their legs due to venous stasis, orlymphedemaafter surgery for breast cancer.People with vein grafts used during surgery, or who have varicose veins and treatments for them, may not clear bacterial infection as quickly and tend to have more cases of cellulitis.
Cellulitis is more common in older adults but can happen in any age group and either gender.A 2017 study also found that when cellulitis occurs, it is more likely to be severe in older people.
Who’s at Risk for Cellulitis?Certain conditions can increase the risk of cellulitis. Diabetes, for example, makes both infection and cellulitis complications more likely.Other factors and conditions that increase risk include:AgeObesityVaricose veins (or certain surgical treatments for them)Chickenpox or shinglesChronic leg edema (swelling), as with heart failureAlcohol misuse andliver cirrhosisImmune system compromiseBreast cancer treatment (leading to lymphedema)
Who’s at Risk for Cellulitis?
Certain conditions can increase the risk of cellulitis. Diabetes, for example, makes both infection and cellulitis complications more likely.Other factors and conditions that increase risk include:AgeObesityVaricose veins (or certain surgical treatments for them)Chickenpox or shinglesChronic leg edema (swelling), as with heart failureAlcohol misuse andliver cirrhosisImmune system compromiseBreast cancer treatment (leading to lymphedema)
Certain conditions can increase the risk of cellulitis. Diabetes, for example, makes both infection and cellulitis complications more likely.Other factors and conditions that increase risk include:
Types of Cellulitis
There are a few rare causes of less common types of cellulitis. Some of these can be dangerous in those at risk—such as those who are immunosuppressed, have diabetes, lack a spleen, or have liver problems. They can include:
Cellulitis is usually diagnosed based on its appearance, but certain tests may be used to confirm a diagnosis, inform decisions about treatment, or evaluate how treatments have worked. This includes:
An ultrasound ormagnetic resonance imaging (MRI), may be used to distinguish cellulitis from another diagnosis, like adeep venous thrombosis (DVT)orosteomyelitis, a bone infection.
Conditions that can be mistaken for cellulitis include:Irritant dermatitisLipodermatosclerosisLymphedemaVenous eczema
Conditions that can be mistaken for cellulitis include:
Treatment for cellulitis usually consists of oral antibiotics. Most people get better quickly and do not require hospitalization.
A healthcare provider may mark the borders of the infection to monitor its growth. They also may elevate a body part to help with drainage while expecting the infection to recede in a day or two. However, if someone becomes more ill or febrile (feverish), or the infection is not diminishing, they may need to be hospitalized and may need IV antibiotics.
Cellulitis often occurs due to another underlying condition. Treatment for cellulitis also includes treatment of the underlying condition.
Several complications may arise as a result of cellulitis. They include:
The best prevention of cellulitis is to take care of any break in the skin, which includes:
Talk with your healthcare provider about any underlying health condition that increases your risk for developing cellulitis, such as poorly controlled diabetes. Foot checks are important in those with diabetic neuropathy to make sure you don’t have any skin breakdown, ulcers, or wounds.
When to Seek Urgent Care
Cellulitis can be an urgent medical concern. Seek immediate medical attention for cellulitis if the red area of the skin expands quickly or you experience fever or chills.Other symptoms of severe cellulitis, or related complications such as sepsis, can include:
You should contact your healthcare provider if cellulitis treatments haven’t worked. If skin tissue appears like it’s dying (necrosis) or organs aren’t functioning well (like the kidneys), seek care.
Keep in mind that older people may be more at risk for infection. Underlying health conditions also can contribute to the need for urgent care.
Summary
Cellulitis is a skin infection that comes on quickly and can turn serious. While some bacteria live on the skin at all times and are generally harmless, if they enter the skin, they can cause infection.
If you notice any swelling, redness, pain, or heat at a site where you’ve had a cut, bite, or burn on your body, contact your healthcare provider. Seek medical care immediately if you experience shortness of breath, low blood pressure, or other more severe symptoms.
A Word From VerywellCellulitis is a common and potentially dangerous skin infection. A break in the protective skin barrier, no matter how small, can be the portal through which bacteria can enter. All cuts, abrasions, and bug bites should be cleaned and dressed with a band-aid and antibiotic ointment. If swelling, redness, warmth to the touch, or pain occurs, seek medical evaluation. When recognized early, treatment can be successful with oral antibiotics.—WILLIAM TRUSWELL, MD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
A Word From Verywell
Cellulitis is a common and potentially dangerous skin infection. A break in the protective skin barrier, no matter how small, can be the portal through which bacteria can enter. All cuts, abrasions, and bug bites should be cleaned and dressed with a band-aid and antibiotic ointment. If swelling, redness, warmth to the touch, or pain occurs, seek medical evaluation. When recognized early, treatment can be successful with oral antibiotics.—WILLIAM TRUSWELL, MD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
Cellulitis is a common and potentially dangerous skin infection. A break in the protective skin barrier, no matter how small, can be the portal through which bacteria can enter. All cuts, abrasions, and bug bites should be cleaned and dressed with a band-aid and antibiotic ointment. If swelling, redness, warmth to the touch, or pain occurs, seek medical evaluation. When recognized early, treatment can be successful with oral antibiotics.
—WILLIAM TRUSWELL, MD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
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Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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