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Cellulitis

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 2, 2024.

What is cellulitis?

Cellulitis is a skin infection caused by bacteria. Cellulitis is common and can become severe. Cellulitis usually appears on the lower legs. It can also appear on the arms, face, and other areas. Cellulitis develops when bacteria enter a crack or break in your skin, such as a scratch, bite, or cut.

Cellulitis

What are the signs and symptoms of cellulitis?

Signs and symptoms usually appear on one side of your body. You may have any of the following:

How is cellulitis diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider may know you have cellulitis by looking at your skin. You may need blood tests to show what kind of bacteria are causing your infection. Other tests may be needed to see how much the infection has spread.

How is cellulitis treated?

You should start to see improvement in 3 days. If your cellulitis is severe, you may need IV antibiotics in the hospital. If cellulitis is not treated, the infection can spread through your body and become life-threatening. You may need any of the following medicines:

Treatment options

The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.

How can I manage my symptoms?

How can I help prevent cellulitis?

When should I seek immediate care?

When should I call my doctor?

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment. The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.