PG
1
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Serious severity
· Dermatology
Cellulitis
Bacterial skin infection · Hot painful redness
Bacteria invade deeper skin layers through a break, causing spreading redness, swelling and fever. Needs antibiotics quickly to prevent blood spread.
At a glance
- Prevalence
- Common, often after minor cuts
- Typical age
- Any age
- Outlook
- Curable
- System
- Skin
Reviewed by a verified Dermatology doctor
What causes it
Causes
- Streptococcus or Staph aureus
- Break in skin (cut, athlete's foot)
- Diabetes, lymphedema
- Obesity
- IV drug use
How it feels
Symptoms & effects
- Red hot tender swollen area
- Spreading red border
- Fever and chills
- Lymph node swelling
- Skin blistering or pus
How it’s treated
Treatment & cure
- Oral antibiotics for mild cases
- IV antibiotics if severe or diabetic
- Elevate affected limb
- Treat athlete's foot to remove entry
- Mark the border to track spread
Staying ahead
Prevention
- Treat athlete's foot promptly
- Moisturize cracked skin
- Manage diabetes tightly
- Avoid scratching insect bites
Do’s
- Take the full antibiotic course
- Elevate the swollen limb
- Apply cool compress
- Mark redness with pen and re-check
Don’ts
- Apply heat to the area
- Pop blisters
- Skip antibiotics when redness improves
- Treat with home remedies alone
See a doctor immediately if
Symptoms are sudden or severe, getting worse despite home care, or interfering with sleep, work or daily life. Don’t self-diagnose from the internet — book a verified clinician below.
Top specialists
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Disclaimer ·
This article is educational and reviewed by clinicians, but it cannot replace an in-person assessment.
Medication doses, prevention advice and treatment choices vary by person. Always confirm with a doctor before acting on anything here.