preventing cellulitis

Overview

Cellulitis is a common bacterial skin infection that affects the deeper layers of the skin. It usually starts when bacteria get into a cut, scrape, or other break in the skin. Preventing cellulitis means taking steps to protect your skin, keep it healthy, and care for any wounds quickly and properly.

Yes, cellulitis is a fairly common infection. It is one of the most common reasons people visit emergency departments with skin problems.

Cellulitis can affect anyone, but it is more likely in people with diabetes, poor circulation, lymphedema (swelling), or a weakened immune system. It also becomes more common as we age.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Red, swollen, and warm skin that feels painful or tender
• The affected area may feel tight or look shiny
• Fever or chills
• A red line extending from the infected area (can be a sign the infection is spreading)

Symptoms in children

• A child may have a fever and become generally unwell, even before the skin looks clearly infected
• The skin may be red, swollen, and tender, often on the face or around a wound

Symptoms in older adults

• Confusion or drowsiness may be a sign of a severe infection
• The skin may be less obviously red but can feel warm and swollen

Causes

Main causes

• Cellulitis is caused by bacteria, most commonly Staphylococcus and Streptococcus, that enter through breaks in the skin.
• Common entry points include cuts, scrapes, burns, insect bites, surgical wounds, cracked skin, or areas of dry skin, athlete's foot, or eczema.

Risk factors

• Broken skin from a recent injury or surgery
• Skin conditions that cause cracking or itching, such as eczema or athlete's foot
• Diabetes that is not well controlled
• Swelling in a limb (lymphedema) or poor blood circulation
• A weakened immune system due to illness or medication
• Obesity
• Injecting drugs

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• See a doctor on the same day if you have a red, swollen, warm, or painful area of skin that feels tender and is expanding.
• If you have a fever or chills with a skin infection, seek medical care quickly.

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you have repeated episodes of cellulitis, or you have a skin condition that leads to frequent cracks or breaks in your skin, it's worth a routine check-up.
• If you have diabetes or circulation problems, you may want regular foot check-ups with a doctor or podiatrist.

Diagnosis

A doctor will usually diagnose cellulitis by looking at your skin and asking about your symptoms. They may also gently feel the area to check the extent of swelling and warmth.

Tests that may be done

• In most cases, no tests are needed.
• If the infection is severe, a doctor may take a blood test to see if the bacteria have spread.
• Sometimes, a small sample of fluid from a blister or wound is sent to a laboratory to identify the bacteria.

What to expect at your appointment

A doctor will examine the affected area and may draw a line around the red region to monitor how it changes. They will often ask about any recent injuries, skin conditions, or other health issues.

Treatment

The main treatment for cellulitis is a course of antibiotics from your doctor. Mild cases are usually treated at home with oral antibiotics (taken by mouth), while more severe cases may require hospital care and antibiotics given through a drip.

Self-care at home

• Keep the infected area clean and dry.
• Rest and raise the affected limb (if possible) to help reduce swelling.
• Ask your pharmacist or doctor about safe pain relief options.
• Drink plenty of fluids.

Medical treatments

Antibiotics are the main treatment. Your doctor will choose antibiotics that target the bacteria commonly involved in skin infections. It's important to take the full course exactly as prescribed, even if you start feeling better. In some cases, if the infection is severe, you may need to be treated in the hospital with intravenous antibiotics (medicine given directly into a vein).

When is surgery considered?

In rare cases, if a pocket of pus (abscess) forms, a small surgical procedure may be needed to drain it. This is usually a quick procedure, often done under local anesthetic.

Living with this condition

Once you've had cellulitis, there are steps you can take to prevent it from coming back. Look after your skin every day, treat any wounds or cracks promptly, and keep up with any treatments for underlying conditions such as diabetes or eczema.

Lifestyle tips

• Moisturize your skin regularly to prevent dryness and cracking
• Check your skin regularly for small cuts, blisters, or signs of infection, especially on your feet and legs
• If you have diabetes, work with your care team to manage your blood sugar levels

Diet and exercise

Eating a balanced diet and keeping active can help keep your immune system strong and maintain good circulation. If you have leg swelling (lymphedema), your doctor or specialist can advise on safe exercises and the right level of activity.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

A skin infection can be worrying, especially if it's painful or keeps coming back. It's normal to feel anxious. Be kind to yourself and talk to your doctor or a trusted friend about how you're feeling.

Prevention

Many cases of cellulitis can be prevented with good skin care and prompt wound care. If you have risk factors like diabetes or poor circulation, managing those conditions is also key to prevention.

Vaccines

There is no vaccine that specifically prevents cellulitis. However, staying up to date with recommended vaccines, such as those to protect against infections like tetanus, helps keep your body healthy and resist infections.

Screening programmes

If you are at high risk, your doctor may suggest regular check-ups to examine your skin, especially on your feet and legs. This is a form of preventative screening to catch early signs of skin breaks or infection.

Complications

If left untreated

• Cellulitis can spread deeper into the body and cause serious problems, such as an abscess (pus collection), sepsis (a life-threatening reaction to infection), or damage to skin tissue.
• If bacteria enter the bloodstream, it can become a medical emergency.

Long-term outlook

The outlook for cellulitis is very good, especially when it's treated early. Most people recover fully with antibiotics. By following your doctor's advice and taking prevention steps, you can greatly reduce your risk of getting cellulitis again.

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