Cellulitis Pokenga kiri

Cellulitis is an infection of the skin and the tissue just under the skin. It is often caused by a small break in the skin where bacteria (germs) can get in. Cellulitis can affect any area of skin, but the leg is the most common place.


Causes of cellulitis

Any break in your skin can allow germs in and cause cellulitis. This includes:

  • cuts and grazes
  • severe eczema
  • animal or insect bites

One of the germs that can cause cellulitis is staphylococcal aureus.

Staphylococcus skin infections

Cellulitis is most common in tamariki and older people but can affect people of all ages.

Diabetes and other health conditions or treatments that reduce your immunity can make you more likely to get cellulitis.


Symptoms of cellulitis

Cellulitis usually starts with a small patch of redness and swelling, which can be painful and warm to touch. This can spread to cover a bigger area.

If the infection spreads, you may get other symptoms such as feeling sick (nausea), fever or generally feeling unwell.

When to seek urgent medical advice

Cellulitis can lead to a life-threatening infection of the blood. See a healthcare provider as soon as possible if you have a patch of skin that is:

  • red
  • warm
  • getting bigger.

This is especially important if you have diabetes or any other condition that reduces your immunity.


Diagnosing cellulitis

Your healthcare provider will likely be able to diagnose cellulitis by looking at your skin. You might need to have blood tests to check the infection has not spread to your blood, or to help rule out other conditions.


Treating cellulitis

Cellulitis is treated with antibiotics.

Usually your healthcare provider will ask you to take antibiotic tablets for several days. You may also be given a separate tablet called probenecid that helps your body absorb the antibiotic. If the infection does not get better, you may need to be given a second course of a different antibiotic tablet.

Probenecid — Healthify

If the infection spreads or you get generally unwell you may need to see a specialist. Sometimes they may need to treat you with antibiotics directly in a vein (IV).

If you have diabetes, keeping your blood glucose (sugar) well controlled is important.

Contact your healthcare provider again if:

  • your cellulitis is spreading to a larger area or getting more painful
  • you are feeling more unwell
  • there is no improvement after 2 days on antibiotics.

Self care for cellulitis

  • Get plenty of rest. This helps your body fight the infection. If you have cellulitis on your leg, walk as little as possible for the first few days.
  • Raise the affected body part on a pillow or chair when you are sitting or lying down. This helps reduce swelling. Continue to do this for at least the first 48 hours.
  • If your arm or hand is affected, use a sling when walking around. This not only helps relieve pain but also helps the healing process.
  • Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.
  • Avoid alcohol as it can reduce the effectiveness of antibiotics, making it harder for your body to fight the infection.

Preventing cellulitis

You can reduce the chances of getting cellulitis again by:

  • keeping your skin clean and well moisturised — dry skin causes cracks that increase your risk of cellulitis
  • cleaning any cuts or wounds
  • preventing cuts and scrapes by wearing protective clothing and footwear
  • keeping your fingernails short and avoiding scratching
  • treating any breaks in your skin due to conditions like athlete’s foot or eczema
  • wearing gloves if working outside.

If you have had cellulitis more than once, you might be prescribed low-dose long-term antibiotics to stop infections coming back.