cellulitis result meanings for patients

Overview

Cellulitis is a common bacterial infection of the deeper layers of skin and the tissue just below it. It happens when bacteria, often from a cut or crack in your skin, get inside and cause swelling, redness, and pain.

Yes, cellulitis is a fairly common skin infection. In the UK, it accounts for many GP visits and hospital admissions each year.

Anyone can get cellulitis, but it is more common in people who have diabetes, poor circulation (especially in the legs), a weakened immune system, or who have had a previous episode of cellulitis.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Red, swollen, warm, and tender skin in one area
• The red area may spread quickly
• Pain or tenderness over the red area
• Fever or feeling generally unwell

Symptoms in children

• A red, swollen patch of skin that may be painful to touch
• Fever and irritability
• The child may seem tired or not want to eat

Symptoms in older adults

• Redness and swelling that may be less obvious than in younger people
• Confusion or drowsiness (if the infection is serious)
• A general feeling of being unwell without clear skin changes

Causes

Main causes

• Bacteria (usually streptococcus or staphylococcus) entering through a break in the skin, such as a cut, scratch, insect bite, surgical wound, or area of dry cracked skin
• Sometimes bacteria spread from another infection, like an infected foot ulcer.

Risk factors

• Diabetes (especially with poorly controlled blood sugar)
• Being overweight or having poor circulation (e.g., varicose veins, lymphedema – swelling due to blocked lymph vessels)
• A weakened immune system (from medication, illness, or age)
• Previous cellulitis in the same spot
• Skin conditions that cause cracks, like athlete’s foot or eczema

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• You notice redness that is spreading quickly or you have a fever
• The pain is worsening despite rest and simple pain relief
• You have diabetes or a weak immune system and see any new skin redness

Book a routine appointment if:

• You have a small area of redness after a minor skin injury that does not go away after a couple of days – your pharmacist can advise if you need to see a GP

Diagnosis

A doctor or nurse usually diagnoses cellulitis by looking at your skin and asking about your symptoms. They may also check your temperature and feel the area to see how warm and tender it is.

Tests that may be done

• Blood tests – to check for signs of infection in your body
• A swab test – if there is an open wound, the doctor may gently wipe the area to send a sample to the lab to identify the bacteria

What to expect at your appointment

The doctor will ask when your symptoms started, whether you have had cellulitis before, and about any health conditions you have. They will examine the red area, and may draw a line around it with a pen to see if it spreads. Sometimes they will prescribe antibiotics immediately and ask you to come back for a check-up.

Treatment

Cellulitis is treated with antibiotics to kill the bacteria causing the infection. In most cases, you take these as tablets at home. If the infection is severe or you have other health problems, you may need treatment in hospital with antibiotics given through a drip.

Self-care at home

• Take the full course of prescribed antibiotics exactly as directed – do not stop early even if you feel better
• Rest and raise the infected limb (if it’s on your leg) to reduce swelling
• Keep the area clean and dry; cover any broken skin with a simple dressing
• Take paracetamol or ibuprofen (if safe for you) for pain and fever – ask your pharmacist

Medical treatments

Doctors usually prescribe oral antibiotics for 5 to 7 days. For more serious cases, you may need a course of intravenous (IV) antibiotics, which are given through a needle in your vein, often in hospital. Your doctor will choose the antibiotic based on your health and the type of bacteria suspected. They will also monitor your symptoms to make sure the infection is clearing.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is rarely needed. In very rare cases where pus collects (an abscess) or the infection damages deeper tissue, a doctor may need to drain the pus or remove dead tissue.

Living with this condition

While you have cellulitis, it is important to rest and take your antibiotics as prescribed. Keep an eye on the redness – if it grows bigger or you get a fever, tell your doctor. Most people start to feel better within 24 to 48 hours of starting treatment, but the redness may take longer to fade.

Lifestyle tips

• Prevent future infections by taking good care of your skin – keep it clean and moisturized to avoid cracks
• If you have athlete’s foot, treat it promptly because cracked skin between the toes is a common entry point for bacteria
• Wear appropriate footwear to avoid cuts and blisters on your feet

Diet and exercise

A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean protein supports your immune system. Staying active, if you are able, helps circulation. If you have lymphedema or poor circulation, your doctor may recommend specific exercises or compression garments.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Having cellulitis can be worrying, especially if the redness spreads or you need hospital care. It is normal to feel anxious, but remember that most people recover fully. If you are feeling overwhelmed, talk to your GP or a trusted friend. They can help you cope.

Prevention

You cannot always prevent cellulitis, but you can lower your chances by caring for your skin, treating any underlying conditions (like diabetes or eczema), and cleaning and covering cuts and scrapes right away. If you have repeated cellulitis, your doctor may give you a long-term low-dose antibiotic to prevent it.

Complications

If left untreated

• The infection can spread into the blood or deeper tissues, causing serious illness (sepsis)
• An abscess (a pocket of pus) may form that needs to be drained
• In very severe cases, the infection can damage underlying structures such as muscle or bone

Long-term outlook

With appropriate treatment, the outlook for cellulitis is very good. Most people start to improve within a day or two of starting antibiotics and make a full recovery. The key is to get treatment early and to take the full course of medication as prescribed.

Find support

External links open third-party websites. Ruqelo Health is not responsible for external content. Listing an organisation does not imply endorsement.