cellulitis screening test preparation

Overview

Cellulitis is a common bacterial skin infection that causes redness, swelling, and pain in the affected area. It usually happens when bacteria enter the skin through a cut, scrape, or other break in the skin.

Yes, cellulitis is a common skin infection. It affects many people each year, especially those with breaks in the skin or certain medical conditions.

Cellulitis can affect anyone, but it is more common in older adults, people with diabetes, those with a weakened immune system, and individuals with conditions that cause swelling in the arms or legs, such as lymphedema.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Redness that expands over time
• Swelling and warmth in the affected area
• Pain or tenderness
• A shiny, stretched appearance of the skin
• Blisters or dimpling of the skin

Symptoms in children

• Redness and swelling, often on the face or legs
• Irritability and fussiness
• Fever or chills
• Crying when the affected area is touched

Symptoms in older adults

• Redness and swelling may be less obvious due to thinner skin
• Confusion or change in mental state
• Increased weakness or difficulty walking
• Fever or feeling unwell

Causes

Main causes

• Bacteria, usually streptococcus or staphylococcus, entering the skin through a cut, wound, or crack in the skin
• Skin conditions like athlete's foot or eczema that cause breaks in the skin
• Insect bites or animal bites that become infected
• Surgical wounds or injections

Risk factors

• Having a weakened immune system (e.g., from chemotherapy, HIV, or medications)
• Poorly controlled diabetes
• Chronic swelling of the arms or legs (lymphedema)
• History of cellulitis or other skin infections
• Obesity

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have a red, swollen, painful area of skin that is expanding quickly
• If you have a fever along with skin redness
• If you have a known wound that becomes increasingly red and painful

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you have a mild area of redness that does not improve after a few days of self-care (keeping it clean and elevated)
• If you have recurring episodes of cellulitis

Diagnosis

Your doctor will diagnose cellulitis based on your symptoms and a physical exam. They will look at the affected skin and ask about how it started and any other symptoms you have. Sometimes, tests are done to confirm the infection or rule out other conditions.

Tests that may be done

• Blood tests: To check for signs of infection and see how your body is responding.
• Wound culture: If there is an open wound, the doctor may take a swab to identify the bacteria causing the infection.
• Ultrasound: Sometimes used to check for an abscess (a pocket of pus) or a blood clot if the leg is very swollen.

What to expect at your appointment

During the visit, your doctor will examine the red area, often drawing a line around it to see if it spreads. They may take a blood sample or a swab from a wound. You will likely be prescribed antibiotics to take at home. If the infection is severe or you have other health problems, you may need treatment in the hospital with intravenous (IV) antibiotics.

Treatment

Cellulitis is treated with antibiotics to kill the bacteria. Most people can take antibiotics by mouth at home. For more serious infections, you may need antibiotics given through a vein (intravenously) in the hospital.

Self-care at home

• Rest and elevate the affected area to reduce swelling.
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers like paracetamol or ibuprofen (as recommended by your doctor) to help with pain and fever.
• Keep the skin clean and dry. Do not scratch or pick at the area.
• Watch for signs the infection is getting worse, such as expanding redness or fever.

Medical treatments

Your doctor will prescribe oral antibiotics, usually for a course of 7 to 14 days. It is important to take the full course even if you start feeling better. For severe infections, or if you have other health conditions, the doctor may arrange for IV antibiotics in the hospital.

When is surgery considered?

If an abscess (a collection of pus) forms, it may need to be drained by a doctor. This is a small procedure done with local numbing.

Living with this condition

During treatment, keep the area clean and elevated. Rest until the infection starts to improve, which is usually in a few days. You can return to normal activities once you feel better, but be careful not to injure the skin again.

Lifestyle tips

• Moisturise your skin regularly to prevent cracks and dryness.
• If you have athlete's foot or other skin conditions, treat them promptly to prevent breaks in the skin.
• Wear appropriate footwear to avoid foot injuries.
• If you have lymphedema, wear compression garments as advised by your doctor.

Diet and exercise

A healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can support your immune system. Gentle exercise, like walking, can help improve circulation, but avoid strenuous activity that might stress the affected area until the infection clears.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Having a skin infection can be worrying and uncomfortable. It is normal to feel anxious or frustrated. Resting and following treatment can help you recover more quickly. If you feel overwhelmed, talk to your doctor or a support person.

Prevention

You can lower your risk of cellulitis by taking good care of your skin and promptly treating any cuts, scrapes, or skin conditions. Keep your skin moisturized, clean, and protected. If you have a condition like lymphedema, manage it with compression and skin care as advised.

Vaccines

Some vaccines can help prevent infections that could lead to cellulitis, such as the flu vaccine and pneumococcal vaccine. Talk to your doctor about which vaccines are right for you.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening test for cellulitis. However, if you have risk factors like diabetes or poor circulation, regular check-ups with your doctor can help you manage these conditions and reduce your risk.

Complications

If left untreated

• Spread of the infection to deeper tissues or the bloodstream (sepsis)
• Abscess formation - a pocket of pus that may need draining
• Necrotizing fasciitis – a rare but serious infection that destroys soft tissue
• Recurrent episodes of cellulitis
• Chronic swelling of the affected limb

Long-term outlook

With appropriate antibiotic treatment, most people with cellulitis recover fully within a week or two. Serious complications are rare when treatment is started early. If you have risk factors, ongoing care can help prevent future infections.

Find support

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