You have been treated for an infection of the skin. You have had a thorough examination and are now considered fit to be discharged. The following instructions will aid your recovery.
Cellulitis is a common infection of the skin and the tissues just below the skin surface. Any area of the skin can be affected but the leg is the most common site.
What causes cellulitis?
Various bacteria (germs) can cause cellulitis. Sometimes the infection occurs for no apparent reason. The skin is usually a good barrier against infection, however, a break in the skin from a cut, ulcer, athlete’s foot or badly scratched eczema is commonly the origin of the infection. This break allows bacteria to get under the skin and multiply to cause infection and inflammation. Inflammation is a process in which the body reacts to the bacteria.
Who is at risk?
People who are at risk of getting cellulitis include those with damage to the skin or other medical problems such as:
- diabetes (the nurses will give you a leaflet on foot care)
- circulatory problems such as inadequate blood flow to the limbs or varicose veins
- those people with swollen legs or arms due to a blockage of lymph (lymphoedema)
- liver disease such as chronic hepatitis or cirrhosis
- skin disorders such as eczema, psoriasis, or diseases that cause skin lesions such as chickenpox or severe acne
- people who are overweight
What are the symptoms?
Cellulitis can occur in almost any part of the body.
The commonest symptoms are:
- pain
- swelling
- red streaking beyond the edge of the infection
- warmth
- tenderness
- fever
- redness
- drainage or leakage of yellow clear fluid or pus from the skin
Is cellulitis infectious?
It can be if you, or people near you, have open wounds.
Treatment
Antibiotics may be injected directly into a vein if the infection is severe. Oral antibiotics are often given once the infection is under control. People that experience recurrent infection may need long-term antibiotics.
If you are given antibiotics to take when you go home it is very important to finish the course of tablets even though you may think that the infection has completely cleared up.
If you stop taking the medication before the prescribed time, bacteria may remain and the infection will flare up again.
If this happens you are actually allowing harmful bacteria to become stronger and thus more resistant to antibiotic treatment. Next time the infection may be that much harder to cure.
Prevention
It is very important to keep your skin clean by washing carefully.
Keeping your skin moisturised will help to prevent dry, cracked skin.
If you have diabetes, you should have your feet checked by a trained person at least once a year (eg, practice nurse, registered chiropodist, podiatrist).
If you notice pain or discomfort from an area of the skin, check to see what it looks like. If it appears inflamed (red) and seems to get worse from one day to the next, you will most likely need treatment and you should see your GP.
Be careful and avoid injuring your skin, especially if you have swollen limbs from a circulatory problem.
Wear sturdy, well-fitting shoes or slippers with loose-fitting cotton socks to avoid injuring your feet.
If you do injure your skin, wash the area with soap and water and check to make sure that the injury is getting better over the next few days.
When to seek medical advice?
Certain injuries may be at greater risk of infection than others.
You should contact your GP on the same day (ideally) if you have injuries such as:
- animal or human bite
- puncture injuries deeper than 1 cm (such as stepping on a nail)
- deep injuries with dirt in them
- injuries in contact with seawater, especially if you have liver disease
Very importantly, if you have a swollen, red painful area of skin accompanied by a fever and increasing pain, or if a reddened area of skin is changing rapidly you should seek emergency care.
Further information
For further advice call NHS 111 service (24 hours a day)
Additional support:
Lymphoedema Support Network
www.lymphoedema.org
020 7351 4480
Monday to Friday – 09.30 to 16.30
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