Cellulitis

What causes cellulitis?

A variety of bacteria (germs) can cause cellulitis. Sometimes the infection occurs for no apparent reason. However, the skin is usually a good barrier against infection. A break in the skin from a cut, skin ulcer, athlete's foot or badly scratched eczema is commonly the origin of the infection. This can allow bacteria to get under the skin and multiply to cause cellulitis. People with swollen legs due to blockage of lymph (lymphoedema) and obese people are more prone to cellulitis of the leg, particularly if they also have a break to the skin.

Athlete's foot and cellulitis of the leg
A common cause of cellulitis is from athlete's foot. Athlete's foot is usually a mild fungal infection but it can cause tiny cracks in the skin between the toes. Bacteria may then get under the skin and travel to the calf causing cellulitis. The cellulitis can be treated but it may recur if the athlete's foot is not also treated. People more prone to cellulits, such as those with lymphoedema and the obese, should be careful to treat any athlete's foot promptly. Itchiness between the toes is the first sign of athlete's foot.

What are the symptoms of cellulitis?

The affected skin feels warm, may look swollen and looks red and inflamed. The infected area may spread and is usually tender. The nearest glands may swell and become tender. This is because they are fighting off the infection to stop it spreading to other parts of the body. For example, the glands in the groin may swell during a cellulitis of the leg. You may feel generally unwell and have a fever, particularly if the area of infection is large.

Is cellulitis serious?

Cellulitis can range from a small area to a large, spreading infection. Therefore cellulitis can range from mild to serious. Without treatment, a 'battle' is fought between the immune (defence) system of the body and the invading bacteria. Often the body would fight off the bacteria well and the infection would clear. However, a spreading cellulitis that is getting worse can be quite worrying. Therefore, treatment is usually advised as soon as cellulitis is diagnosed to make sure it does not spread and become serious.

What is the treatment for cellulitis?

Antibiotics taken by mouth will usually clear mild or moderate cellulitis infections. The symptoms should soon ease once antibiotic treatment has started. Tell a doctor if the area of infection continues to spread or you become worse after antibiotics have been started. People with severe cellulitis or those not improving with antibiotics taken by mouth may need antibiotic injections. Some people with severe cellulitis become quite unwell and need to be treated in hospital.

© EMIS and PIP 2004   Updated: April 2004   Review Date: May 2005   CHIQ Accredited