Overview

Causes

Cellulitis is caused by bacteria. The bacteria may normally live on top of the skin or come from other sources. It enters the skin through a cut or injury on the skin surface. Once inside the skin, the bacteria can grow and cause infection.

Risk Factors

Things that raise the risk of cellulitis are:

  • An injury to the skin such as:
    • A cut, scratch, puncture, or bite
    • A blister, burn, or skin ulcer
    • Skin cracks or splits, such as between the toes
  • Skin conditions, such as:
    • Intertrigo—irritation in folds of the skin
    • Athlete's foot
    • Eczema
    • Impetigo
  • IV drug use
  • Surgery
  • Having certain conditions, such as diabetes or obesity
  • Blood vessel problems, such as venous insufficiency or peripheral artery disease (PAD)
  • Lymphedema
Puncture Wound
Puncture Wound
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SymptomsandDiagnosis

Symptoms

Symptoms of cellulitis may be:

  • Fever and chills
  • Skin that is:
    • Red and feels hot
    • Painful or tender
    • Swollen
    • Dimpled
    • Streaked—redness is spreading
  • Confusion
  • Fast heartbeat or fast breathing

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about symptoms and past health. A physical exam will be done. The doctor may diagnose cellulitis based on how the skin looks. The outer edge of the redness may be marked. This will help to see if the infection spreads.

The doctor may also do blood tests. Fluid from the area may also be tested. This is to find out what bacteria is causing the problem.

Treatments

Treatment

The goal is to get rid of the infection and manage pain. Treatment may last 5 to 10 days. Most cellulitis will clear up after 1 to 2 weeks of treatment.

Hospital care may be needed for:

  • Severe cellulitis
  • Diabetes or a weak immune system
  • An infection on the face

It may also be needed if:

  • Treatment is not working
  • A person cannot stick to their treatment routine

Treatment may be:

  • Medicine, such as:
    • Antibiotics by mouth or IV—to clear the infection
    • Antifungals, by mouth or applied to the skin—for fungal infections
    • Pain medicine
  • Supportive care, such as:
    • Keeping the area raised—to help move fluids out and speed healing
    • Protecting the skin—keeping the area clean and bandaged

Prevention

The risk of cellulitis may be reduced by:

  • Keeping skin clean and dry
  • Moisturizing dry skin
  • Treating skin conditions and other conditions that raise the risk of cellulitis
  • Taking precautions to avoid skin injuries

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

Edits to original content made by Denver Health.