Cellulitis
Cellulitis is a skin infection caused by bacteria. It can be triggered by damage to the skin, and needs prompt treatment. A Livi doctor explains.
What is cellulitis?
Cellulitis is an infection of the skin that’s caused by a bacteria.
It can affect anyone. But it’s more likely to occur if the normal protective skin layer has been damaged, as this allows bacteria to enter the skin more easily. If cellulitis causes complications, it can be serious and would need prompt treatment.
Common causes of cellulitis include:
A wound – either from an injury or from surgery
An insect bite
Other skin conditions, like eczema or psoriasis, which cause the skin to dry out, crack or fissure
Poor circulation – this prevents wounds healing as quickly and reduces skin quality, often causing dry skin and fluid build-up
A skin ulcer or pressure ulcer (bedsore)
Drug injection sites
Cellulitis is also more common in those with a weakened immune system. Once you’ve had one episode of cellulitis, it’s not uncommon for it to recur again.
Symptoms of cellulitis
An area of skin that is:
Red
Hot to touch
Tender
Swollen
With more severe cellulitis infections there may also be:
A temperature
Shivering or chills
Dizziness
Nausea or vomiting
Cellulitis can occur anywhere on the body, but most commonly affects the hands, legs and feet.
Cellulitis treatment
Cellulitis needs prompt treatment with oral antibiotics. A GP would be able to prescribe appropriate antibiotics for cellulitis.
If, despite taking oral treatment for cellulitis, the area of skin affected is spreading, becoming more painful or swollen, you may need antibiotics administered through a vein. This requires assessment in hospital. This may also be the case if you develop other symptoms with cellulitis, like a temperature or vomiting.
When to see a GP
If you develop a patch of skin with symptoms of cellulitis
If the area of cellulitis is growing, despite taking oral antibiotics
If the cellulitis is getting rapidly worse
If you develop a temperature, or feel sick and unwell in yourself, despite taking antibiotics
If you have a weakened immune system or are taking medication to suppress the immune system
If you have diabetes
If you develop cellulitis around the eye
- Reviewed by:
Dr Rhianna McClymont
Lead GP at Livi

- Last updated: