What is Cellulitis?

Cellulitis is a common bacterial skin infection that affects the deeper layers of the skin and the tissue underneath it. It typically causes an area of skin to become red, swollen, warm, and painful or tender.

Cellulitis can develop anywhere on the body, but it is especially common on the lower legs and feet. It usually begins when bacteria enter through a break in the skin, such as a cut, scrape, sore, cracked skin, insect bite, or surgical wound. Sometimes the opening is so small that you may not notice it.

Most cases can be treated successfully with antibiotics. However, cellulitis can spread if it is not treated, so recognizing the symptoms and getting medical care early is important.

At BASS Medical Group, our primary care providers can evaluate skin redness, swelling, and other symptoms that may be caused by cellulitis.

What Causes Cellulitis?

Cellulitis develops when bacteria get past the skin's protective barrier and enter deeper layers of tissue.

Two groups of bacteria commonly associated with cellulitis are:

• Streptococcus, including group A Streptococcus
• Staphylococcus, which includes some strains of MRSA

Learn more about the differences between bacterial and fungal infections and staph infections.

Bacteria may enter through:

• Cuts and scrapes
• Puncture wounds
• Surgical wounds
• Skin ulcers
• Insect or animal bites
• Cracked or very dry skin
• Athlete's foot
• Eczema and other conditions that damage the skin barrier

You do not always need to have an obvious open wound to develop cellulitis.

What Does Cellulitis Look and Feel Like?

Cellulitis symptoms usually develop in one area of the body and may gradually spread.

Common signs include:

• Red or discolored skin
• Swelling
• Warmth
• Tenderness or pain
• Skin that appears tight or swollen
• Blisters in some cases
• Fever or chills if the infection becomes more significant

The affected area may become larger over time, which is one reason a spreading patch of red, warm, or painful skin should not be ignored.

Cellulitis can sometimes resemble other skin conditions, so appearance alone is not always enough to determine what is causing the redness or swelling.

Cellulitis on the Leg

The lower leg is one of the most common places for cellulitis to develop.

Cellulitis on the leg may appear as an expanding area of redness or discoloration accompanied by warmth, swelling, tenderness, or pain. It commonly affects one leg rather than both legs at the same time.

Because several other conditions can also cause a red or swollen leg, including blood clots, dermatitis, and problems with circulation, it is important to have unexplained or worsening symptoms evaluated rather than trying to diagnose cellulitis based on a photograph alone.

Is Cellulitis Contagious?

Cellulitis itself is generally not contagious and usually does not spread from one person to another.

The infection occurs when bacteria enter beneath your own skin and infect the deeper tissue. Simply being near or touching someone who has cellulitis does not typically cause another person to develop cellulitis.

However, some bacteria associated with skin infections can spread between people under certain circumstances. Good hand hygiene and appropriate wound care are still important, particularly when there is an open or draining wound.

Who Is More Likely to Develop Cellulitis?

Anyone can get cellulitis, but anything that damages the skin or makes it harder for the body to fight infection can increase the risk.

Risk factors include:

• Recent cuts, wounds, burns, or surgery
• Eczema and other chronic skin conditions
• Athlete's foot or cracked skin between the toes
• Chronic swelling of an arm or leg
• Poor circulation
• Diabetes
• A weakened immune system
• Previous episodes of cellulitis

People who have had cellulitis before may be more likely to develop it again, particularly if an underlying issue such as chronic swelling or skin breakdown remains.

Is Cellulitis Dangerous?

Cellulitis is treatable, but it can become serious if the infection spreads.

In uncommon cases, bacteria can spread beyond the skin and lead to complications such as:

• Bloodstream infection
• Sepsis
• Bone infection
• Infection involving deeper tissue
• Long-term swelling in the affected area

These complications are one reason early diagnosis and treatment matter.

A rapidly expanding area of redness or swelling, especially when accompanied by fever or chills, requires prompt medical attention.

How Is Cellulitis Diagnosed?

A healthcare provider can often diagnose cellulitis by examining the affected skin and asking about your symptoms and medical history.

They may look at:

• The location and size of the affected area
• Whether redness or swelling is spreading
• Warmth and tenderness
• Cuts, sores, or other possible entry points for bacteria
• Fever or other signs of infection

Additional testing is not necessary in every case. Tests may sometimes be used when the diagnosis is unclear, symptoms are severe, or another condition needs to be ruled out.

How Is Cellulitis Treated?

Antibiotics are the primary treatment for cellulitis.

Most uncomplicated cases can be treated with oral antibiotics prescribed by a healthcare provider. More serious infections may require intravenous (IV) antibiotics or treatment in a hospital.

Depending on the location and severity of the infection, your healthcare provider may also recommend:

• Elevating an affected arm or leg to reduce swelling
• Caring for any underlying wound or skin condition
• Managing pain as appropriate
• Monitoring the area to make sure redness and swelling are improving rather than spreading

It is important to take antibiotics exactly as prescribed and contact your healthcare provider if symptoms continue to worsen or do not begin improving as expected.

Can You Prevent Cellulitis?

You cannot prevent every case, but protecting your skin and treating wounds appropriately can reduce the chance that bacteria will enter deeper tissue.

Helpful habits include:

• Gently cleaning cuts and scrapes with soap and water
• Keeping wounds clean and appropriately covered while they heal
• Avoiding scratching or picking damaged skin
• Moisturizing dry or cracked skin
• Wearing protective footwear or gloves when injuries are more likely
• Treating athlete's foot and other conditions that cause cracks or breaks in the skin
• Checking your skin regularly if you have diabetes, poor circulation, or chronic swelling

If you repeatedly develop cellulitis, talk with your healthcare provider about whether an underlying skin, circulation, or swelling problem could be increasing your risk.

When Should You See a Doctor for Cellulitis?

Because cellulitis is a bacterial infection that generally requires treatment, contact a healthcare provider if you develop an unexplained area of skin that is becoming red, warm, swollen, tender, or painful, particularly if it is getting larger.

Seek prompt medical attention if:

• Redness or swelling is spreading quickly
• You develop fever or chills
• Pain or swelling becomes significantly worse
• You feel increasingly ill
• The affected area is rapidly changing

Do not wait for cellulitis to become severe before seeking care. Earlier treatment can reduce the chance of the infection spreading.

Get Help for Cellulitis at BASS Medical Group

Cellulitis is common and usually responds well to treatment, but it should not be ignored. If you notice a growing area of red, warm, swollen, or painful skin, a healthcare provider can determine whether cellulitis or another condition is responsible.

Our primary care providers at BASS Medical Group can evaluate cellulitis symptoms and coordinate additional care when needed.

BASS Medical Group serves patients throughout Walnut Creek, Oakland, San Francisco, and the greater Bay Area.

If you’re concerned about cellulitis symptoms, you can find a doctor near you or schedule an appointment with BASS Medical Group.