• Infections

Cellulitis: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention Strategies

Medically reviewed and edited by Dina Whiteaker, APRN

Cellulitis is a common condition that affects over 14 million people in the U.S. every year. Yet, this condition is often misunderstood and left untreated, leading to severe complications.

It’s important to recognize the early signs of cellulitis and know when to seek medical care.

Read on to discover everything you need to know about cellulitis, including how to prevent it and protect your health.  

What is Cellulitis?

Cellulitis is a potentially serious skin condition that commonly affects the arms and legs. It can also develop around the eyes, mouth, anus, and on the belly.

The infection usually appears as red, swollen skin that is painful and warm to the touch.

There are different types of cellulitis, classified according to the location of the infection. The four main types include:

• Periorbital cellulitis (infection around the eyes)

• Facial cellulitis (infection around the eyes, nose, and cheeks)

• Breast cellulitis (infection of the breast skin and tissue)

• Perianal cellulitis (infection around the anus)

What are the Causes of Cellulitis?

The most common cause of cellulitis is bacteria that enter the skin through open lesions, such as cuts, insect bites, burns, or surgical wounds. 

Other breaks in the skin — such as those caused by ulcers, eczema, or dermatitis — can also increase your risk of developing cellulitis. 

When bacteria enter the skin, they typically cause a rapidly spreading infection.

Some bacteria that cause cellulitis —  like Streptococcus and Staphylococcus aureus — are also resistant to certain antibiotics, making it difficult to treat this infection.

Other risk factors

In addition to skin lesions, other factors can also put you at risk of developing cellulitis, such as:

• Edema: Swelling from excess fluid under the skin can make the skin more vulnerable to a bacterial infection.

• Lymphedema: A build-up of lymph fluid in body tissues can cause swelling and increase infection risk.

• Previous cellulitis: Having cellulitis before increases the likelihood of reinfection in the same area.

• Obesity: Higher body mass index (BMI) has been associated with an increased risk of developing cellulitis due to factors like poor circulation and enlarged lymph nodes.

• Weakened immune system: People with compromised immune systems — whether from diseases or medications — are more susceptible to infections, including cellulitis.

Cellulitis Symptoms

Early warning signs

The first signs of cellulitis often go unnoticed, but this condition can progress quickly if left untreated. Here are a few early warning signs to watch for:

• Redness that often starts as a small patch before expanding outward

• Swelling in the affected area

• Warmth in the affected area

• Pain when the affected area is touched 

• Tight, glossy skin that may appear stretched

Symptoms that indicate a worsening condition

As the infection progresses, symptoms may intensify, or new ones may emerge, including:

• Increased redness and swelling

• Redness that appears to be spreading

• Blistering or yellowish pus

• Fever

• Nausea and chills 

These symptoms indicate that the bacteria is moving through the body and impacting other parts of your immune system. It’s essential to seek medical attention once you notice these signs.

When to seek emergency medical attention

Cellulitis can progress rapidly and cause serious health issues — including sepsis — that can be life-threatening.

Seek immediate medical attention if you develop any of these symptoms:

• High fever (over 101°F)

• Rapid increase in redness and swelling that doesn’t improve

• Significant increase in pain

• Numbness or tingling in the affected area

• Dizziness, confusion, or disorientation

How is Cellulitis Diagnosed?

Cellulitis should be diagnosed by a healthcare professional to ensure an accurate assessment. Your doctor will typically do the following when diagnosing your condition:

• Perform a physical examination: Your doctor will look for common signs and symptoms of cellulitis, such as redness, swelling, or warmth. They will assess the affected area to determine the severity of the infection and check for signs of complications. You’ll need to provide information on your medical history, including any recent injuries, cuts, or surgeries you’ve had.

• Blood tests: While not always necessary, blood tests may be done if the infection seems severe or if there are concerns about the bacteria spreading to the bloodstream. 

• Culture tests: If there is a wound or patch of open skin, a culture may be taken to identify the specific type of bacteria causing the infection. This is particularly useful if the infection isn’t responding to standard antibiotic treatments.

• Imaging tests: In some cases — like when the diagnosis isn’t clear or if there’s a possibility of underlying bone infections — imaging tests will be done. These tests are used to rule out other conditions that may resemble cellulitis or to confirm that the infection has not spread deeper into the tissues.

How is Cellulitis Treated?

Medical treatment options 

Medical treatments are necessary to cure cellulitis and prevent the infection from spreading or worsening. The primary treatment options include:

• Antibiotics: Cellulitis is treated with antibiotics, which can be administered orally or intravenously, depending on the severity of the infection. Common antibiotics include penicillin, cephalosporins, and clindamycin. The treatment course usually lasts 5 to 14 days, but improvements are often noticeable within just a few days.

• Hospitalization: In severe cases — especially when symptoms are intense, or you have a high fever and signs of a systemic infection — hospitalization may be required to administer intravenous antibiotics and provide close monitoring.

• Treatment of underlying conditions: Managing conditions that worsen cellulitis, like diabetes or edema, is an essential part of treatment. This could involve adjusting medications, improving blood glucose control, or using compression garments to relieve uncomfortable symptoms.

Home remedies

While home remedies alone aren’t sufficient to treat cellulitis, they can be used alongside your treatment plan to manage your symptoms. Some remedies you can use include:

• Resting 

• Keeping the affected area elevated, if possible

• Applying a warm compress to the affected area

• Staying hydrated

• Taking over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers to manage discomfort and fever

It’s important to remember that these remedies should not replace medical treatment and must be used in conjunction with your prescribed medication.

Is it Possible to Prevent Cellulitis?

Cellulitis can be prevented by implementing strategies to help protect the skin from cuts, scrapes, and other injuries. Here’s how you can safeguard yourself:

Prioritize skincare

Practicing good skincare can help you avoid cuts and lesions that could increase your risk of cellulitis. These practices include:

• Regularly cleaning your skin with soap and water

• Moisturizing twice a day

• Avoid popping or picking at spots

• Cleaning all cuts, scrapes, burns, and bites properly 

• Applying an ointment and covering wounds to prevent bacterial entry

• Managing chronic skin conditions appropriately

Implementing these strategies can help keep your skin strong and healthy, which is essential for preventing cellulitis.

Make lifestyle adjustments

You can also make various lifestyle adjustments to reduce your risk of getting cellulitis. These include:

• Wearing protective clothing when participating in activities that could cause injuries to the skin

• Keeping your nails trimmed and clean to prevent bacteria from growing there

• Avoiding tight-fitting clothing that might cause chafing and breaks in the skin

In addition to these changes, it’s also important to manage your overall health to ensure your body can fight off an infection. You can do this by:

• Controlling your blood sugar levels, especially if you have a condition like diabetes

• Exercising regularly to improve circulation

• Checking your legs and feet regularly 

• Staying up to date with your vaccinations

Following these preventative measures can help you avoid cellulitis or prompt you to seek early treatment if you notice any skin changes. 

When Should You See a Doctor About Cellulitis?

It’s essential to consult your doctor as soon as you suspect you have cellulitis. This will ensure that you receive prompt treatment and avoid serious complications. 

You should also see your doctor if:

• You’re already receiving treatment for cellulitis and notice your symptoms don’t improve or become worse

• You experience a rapid change in your symptoms

• The skin starts to break down, showing signs of ulcers, blisters, or blackened areas

• You are experiencing difficulties moving the affected limb (if relevant) 

• You develop signs of a systemic infection, including high fever, confusion, and rapid heartbeat

• You have underlying conditions that make you more susceptible to cellulitis

Treating cellulitis as soon as possible is essential for ensuring a full recovery. That’s why consulting your doctor about any changes in your skin health is essential.

Where Can You Learn More About Cellulitis and Similar Conditions?

While LifeMD doesn’t provide medical care for cellulitis, we can help you manage any unpleasant symptoms you may be experiencing.

A team of medical professionals can assist you with medications, prescriptions, lab orders, and advice to cope with painful or uncomfortable symptoms caused by a cellulitis infection.

Make your appointment and take control of your health — all from the comfort of your own home.

Dina Whiteaker, APRN

Dina earned her MSN from the University of Nebraska Medical Center before becoming a Family Nurse Practitioner. She has 10ᐩ years of telemedicine experience. Dina is board certified and is a member of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners.

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