Cellulitis of the skin
Cellulitis is a bacterial infection of the skin and the tissue beneath it. It is worth saying at the outset, because the confusion is constant: it has…
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Medicines commonly prescribed for Cellulitis of the skin
For informational purposes only. Always consult a doctor before using any medicine.
Dosage form: TABLET, 500/125 mg/mgActive substance: amoxicillin and beta-lactamase inhibitorManufacturer: Aurovitas Spain, S.A.U.Prescription requiredDosage form: TABLET, 875 mg/125 mgActive substance: amoxicillin and beta-lactamase inhibitorManufacturer: Towa Pharmaceutical S.A.Prescription requiredDosage form: TABLET, 875/125 mgActive substance: amoxicillin and beta-lactamase inhibitorManufacturer: Tecnimede España Industria Farmaceutica S.A.Prescription required
Cellulitis is a bacterial infection of the skin and the tissue beneath it. It is worth saying at the outset, because the confusion is constant: it has nothing to do with the cosmetic "cellulite" of dimpled skin. This is an infection that spreads rapidly, needs antibiotics and, untreated, can reach the bloodstream. It is one of those conditions where hours count.
Symptoms
- an area of reddened skin that is enlarging, with poorly defined edges;
- the skin is hot to the touch, swollen and painful;
- on brown and black skin the redness may be hard to see: look instead for warmth, swelling and pain, which are equally valid signs;
- fever and chills, a general feeling of being unwell;
- enlarged, tender lymph nodes near the area;
- sometimes blisters, pinpoint bleeding or discharge;
- most commonly on the lower leg, though it can occur anywhere, including the face.
A simple and very useful step: mark the edge of the redness with a pen and note the time. That way you and your doctor can see whether it is advancing and how fast.
When urgent care is needed
- the redness is spreading quickly, within hours;
- high fever with chills, vomiting, confusion or drowsiness;
- the pain is out of proportion to what is visible — this can indicate a serious deep infection;
- purple or black areas, large blisters, numb skin or crackling under the skin;
- the infection is on the face, around the eye or on the neck;
- you have diabetes, reduced immunity or take immunosuppressants;
- it is an infant or a frail older person;
- you have been on antibiotics for 48 hours and it is getting worse.
How bacteria get in
- wounds, scratches, cuts, burns, insect bites;
- athlete's foot and cracks between the toes — a very common entry point and one that is easily overlooked in leg cellulitis;
- eczema, psoriasis and dry cracked skin;
- chronic wounds and pressure ulcers;
- animal bites and scratches;
- recent piercings and tattoos;
- chronic leg swelling and lymphoedema;
- diabetes, obesity, venous insufficiency, reduced immunity;
- a previous episode of cellulitis — the risk of recurrence is high.
How it is diagnosed
By appearance and examination: there is no single test. Blood tests with inflammatory markers are done, and blood cultures if there is a high fever. A wound swab is only useful if there is an open entry point. If an abscess or a deep infection is suspected, ultrasound or CT is performed.
It is important to distinguish it from conditions that look similar and do not need antibiotics: venous stasis dermatitis — very often confused and almost always affecting both legs — deep vein thrombosis, contact eczema, gout and reactions to bites.
Treatment
- antibiotics, usually for 5–7 days and longer if the response is slow. Always complete the course, even if you improve sooner;
- intravenous antibiotics for severe cases, facial involvement or people at risk;
- elevate the limb above the level of the heart whenever possible: it reduces swelling and speeds improvement more than most people expect;
- pain relief such as paracetamol;
- treat the entry point — athlete's foot, eczema or the wound; without this the infection returns;
- surgical drainage if an abscess has formed;
- long-term preventive antibiotics for people with repeated episodes.
The redness can take weeks to fade completely, and the skin often peels as it heals: this is normal and does not mean the infection is continuing.
How to prevent recurrence
- treat and prevent athlete's foot, drying thoroughly between the toes;
- moisturise the skin daily so it does not crack;
- clean and cover every wound, however small;
- use compression stockings for chronic swelling or venous insufficiency, after arterial flow has been checked;
- manage weight and blood glucose;
- check your feet daily if you have diabetes;
- do not walk barefoot in changing rooms and around pools;
- cut nails carefully and do not pull at hangnails.
Common questions
Is this the same as cosmetic cellulite? Not at all. They are two different things that share a name in several languages. This one is a bacterial infection.
Is it contagious? It is not passed from person to person through ordinary contact.
Do antibiotic creams help? Not for cellulitis: the antibiotic has to be systemic.
Why does it always affect the same leg? There is usually a local factor: swelling, venous insufficiency or fungal infection between the toes. It needs to be found and treated.
Can I wait and see if it improves? Not a good idea. This is an advancing infection, and the sooner antibiotics start, the simpler everything becomes.
Online consultation
In an online consultation the doctor reviews photographs and how fast the area is spreading, helps distinguish infection from stasis dermatitis or a clot, advises when in-person care is needed without delay, and works with you to find the entry point so the episode does not repeat.
This material is for information only and does not replace a medical consultation.
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Reviewed on Jul 19, 2026
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