cellulitis lifestyle tips for patients

Overview

Cellulitis is a bacterial skin infection that affects the deeper layers of the skin. It often looks like a red, swollen, and tender area that feels warm to the touch. It can happen anywhere on the body, but usually appears on the lower legs.

Cellulitis is a fairly common infection. Many cases are mild and are treated at home with antibiotics.

Anyone can get cellulitis, but it is more likely to affect people with cuts, wounds, eczema, athlete's foot, diabetes, a weakened immune system, or swelling in the arms or legs.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Redness spreading on the skin
• Swelling and tenderness
• Skin that feels warm or hot to the touch
• Pain in the affected area
• Sometimes a fever and feeling generally unwell

Symptoms in children

• Same symptoms as adults, but children may be more irritable or tired
• Parents may notice a swollen, red area on the skin that is getting bigger

Symptoms in older adults

• Redness may be harder to see on darker or thinner skin
• Confusion or drowsiness can sometimes be an early sign in older adults
• Swelling and pain may be less noticeable

Causes

Main causes

• Bacteria (such as group A streptococcus) entering the skin through a cut, scrape, burn, or other break
• Skin conditions like eczema or athlete's foot that cause cracks in the skin
• Insect bites or animal bites that become infected

Risk factors

• A weakened immune system from illness or certain medicines
• Diabetes, especially if blood sugar levels are not well controlled
• Chronic swelling in the legs or arms (lymphoedema)
• Being overweight
• Previous episodes of cellulitis

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• Seek medical care right away if the red area is expanding or extremely painful, or if you have a fever.

Book a routine appointment if:

• Make a routine appointment if you notice any early signs of a skin infection, such as a warm, red, swollen area, especially if you have diabetes or a weakened immune system.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will examine the affected area and ask about your symptoms and medical history. You do not usually need special tests to diagnose cellulitis.

Tests that may be done

• In some cases, a doctor may take a swab from the area or take a blood test to confirm the infection.

What to expect at your appointment

Your doctor will likely ask you to show the area and may draw a line around the redness to see if it spreads. They will also check for any breaks in the skin.

Treatment

Treatment usually starts with antibiotics. Your doctor will decide whether you can take them at home or need hospital care, depending on how severe the infection is.

Self-care at home

• Rest the affected area and keep it raised if possible to help reduce swelling.
• Take prescribed antibiotics exactly as directed and finish the full course, even if you feel better.
• Keep the skin clean and dry, and cover any open wounds with a sterile bandage.
• Use a cool, clean cloth on the area to ease pain and swelling.
• Do not scratch or squeeze the infected area.

Medical treatments

Doctors usually prescribe antibiotics to be taken by mouth. In more serious cases, antibiotics may be given through a drip at the hospital. Your doctor will select an appropriate antibiotic based on your situation and any allergies.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is rarely needed for cellulitis. If an abscess forms, a doctor may need to drain it to help the infection heal.

Living with this condition

While you recover, take it easy. Give your body time to heal by resting the infected area, keeping it raised, and following your doctor's advice. Watch for any increase in redness or pain and contact your doctor if the infection does not improve within a few days.

Lifestyle tips

• Check your feet and legs regularly for cuts, blisters, or swelling.
• Moisturise dry skin to prevent cracks that bacteria can enter.
• Replace wound dressings regularly and keep wounds clean.
• Avoid tight clothing or footwear that may rub or irritate the skin.
• If you have athlete's foot, treat it promptly to keep the skin on your feet healthy.

Diet and exercise

Eating a balanced diet and staying active can support your immune system. Gentle exercise, like walking if your doctor agrees, may help with circulation. But during an active infection, rest is more important.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Dealing with a skin infection can be stressful, especially if it is painful or keeps coming back. It is normal to feel anxious. Talk to your doctor or a trusted friend if you feel worried, and ask about support if your mental health is affected.

Prevention

You can lower your risk by taking care of your skin, cleaning and covering wounds promptly, and managing health conditions like diabetes. If you have areas of swelling, keeping the skin moisturised and protecting it from injury are important.

Vaccines

There is no vaccine to prevent cellulitis directly. However, keeping your routine vaccinations up to date can help prevent other infections that might make you more vulnerable.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening for cellulitis, but people with repeated infections may benefit from regular skin checks by their doctor.

Complications

If left untreated

• The infection may spread deeper into the body
• Bacteria can enter the bloodstream (sepsis), which is a medical emergency
• Repeated episodes of cellulitis can cause chronic swelling in the affected limb

Long-term outlook

With prompt treatment, most people recover fully within a week or two. Following your doctor's advice and taking care of your skin can help reduce the chance of it coming back.

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