Cellulitis

Cellulitis is a bacterial infection affecting the skin and tissue underneath it. The area may become painful, warm, swollen and increasingly red or darker than surrounding skin. It usually needs prompt medical assessment because the infection can spread. Cellulitis is different from cellulite, the harmless dimpled appearance of skin.

What should I look for?

The affected area may feel tight or tender and can enlarge over time. Fever, chills or feeling generally unwell can occur. Redness can be less obvious on darker skin, so warmth, swelling, pain and a change from your normal skin appearance are also useful clues.

Tell the doctor when the change started, how quickly it is spreading, and whether there was a cut, bite, wound or recent procedure. Mention diabetes, circulation problems, reduced immunity or previous episodes. Photographs taken at different times may help show change, but they cannot establish the depth or severity of an infection.

For the Australian guidance behind this explanation, see Healthdirect Australia: Cellulitis - symptoms, treatment and causes - Healthdirect Australia.

Can it be managed through telehealth?

An online discussion may help determine urgency, but suspected cellulitis often needs an examination. A clinician must consider other causes of swelling and whether you need treatment in the community or hospital. Do not wait for a convenient appointment if the area is worsening quickly.

Keep any wound clean and follow the treatment and review instructions you are given. Ask how soon improvement should be apparent and what to do if the affected area continues to spread. Do not squeeze blisters or use leftover treatment from a previous infection.

When is it urgent?

Rapid spread, severe pain, fever, facial involvement or feeling very unwell warrants urgent in-person care. A bite or infection near the eye needs particular attention. Call 000 for collapse, confusion or other signs of life-threatening illness. A routine online booking is not an appropriate way to monitor a rapidly deteriorating infection.

Where to go next

Read online doctor consultations to understand the relevant service. A doctor decides whether a consultation, examination, referral or another pathway is appropriate for your situation.