Cellulitis is an infection of the deep layers of skin. A break in the skin, such as a cut or scratch, can let bacteria under the skin. This makes the affected skin red, swollen, warm, and sore. The reddened areas have a border you can see. An open sore may leak fluid (pus). You may have a fever, chills, and pain.
Cellulitis is treated with antibiotics taken for 7 to 10 days. An open sore may be cleaned and covered with cool wet gauze. Symptoms should get better 1 to 2 days after treatment is started.
If not treated, cellulitis can get into the bloodstream and lymph nodes. The infection can then spread throughout the body. This can cause serious illnesses, such as osteomyelitis (infection of the bone), endocarditis (inflammation of the inner lining of the heart and heart valves), and sepsis, a life-threatening complication of an infection.
Home care
Follow these tips:
- Limit the use of the part of your body with cellulitis.
- If the infection is on your leg, keep your leg raised while sitting. This helps reduce swelling.
- Take your antibiotics as directed. Do not stop taking them just because you feel better. You need to take the full course of antibiotics.
- Keep the affected area clean and dry.
- Wash your hands for 20 seconds with soap and clean, running water before and after touching your skin. Lather the back of your hands, wash between your fingers, and clean under your fingernails. Anyone else who touches your skin should also wash their hands. Don't share towels or other personal items, such as clothes, that may come in contact with the affected area.
Follow-up care
Follow up with your doctor, or as advised. If your infection doesn't go away after finishing the first antibiotic, your doctor will prescribe a different one. If your doctor sent a sample of pus or discharge from the affected site to the lab, they may change the antibiotics. This depends on the lab reports.
When to contact your doctor
Contact your doctor right away if:
- You have red areas that spread.
- Your swelling or pain gets worse.
- Fluid (pus) is leaking from the skin.
- You have a fever of 100.4º F (38º C) or higher after 2 days on antibiotics.
- You have no improvement after 24 to 48 hours.
