Display Patient Information Leaflets

Date issued: September 2025

For review: September 2027

Ref: A-687/PR/Ward/Cellulitis management   

PIL: Cellulitis management.pdf [pdf] 219KB

What is Cellulitis?

• Cellulitis is an infection of the skin and deeper soft tissue of the skin; it can affect any part of your body but commonly affects the legs, feet or hands. 

• It is usually caused by bacteria which have entered the skin. 

• Symptoms include a sudden or gradual onset of a red, hot and tender area of skin. The affected skin is usually smooth and shiny but can blister. 

• Patients with cellulitis would typically feel unwell, with a fever (>37.8 °C) and a single red and painful lower limb.

What happens now?

Cellulitis usually needs treatment with antibiotics.

For mild cellulitis affecting a small area of skin; if you are otherwise well, your GP will prescribe antibiotic tablets; your symptoms might get worse in the first 48 hours of treatment, but this is normal, and they should then start to improve. 

For moderate cellulitis where you are feeling generally unwell or deeper skin tissue is affected; you will usually be advised to attend the hospital by your GP or NHS 111; You may be prescribed intravenous antibiotics. However, if your condition is stable, you could avoid admission and be treated at home by a community team. 

For severe cellulitis where you feel suddenly very unwell with any 1 of the following symptoms you should attend A&E.

• Fever (>37.8°C)

• A fast heartbeat.

• Cold/sweaty skin

• If you feel dizzy or confused or if you develop purple patches on your skin.

You will be admitted to hospital for intravenous antibiotics 

Self-help guidance

In addition to taking antibiotics as prescribed you can aid recovery by: 

• Taking Paracetamol or Ibuprofen for pain (please check medicines guidance before taking any non-prescribed medications). 

• Elevate the affected area when sitting or lying down to reduce swelling.

• Mobilise the limb small amounts frequently and rest regularly with the limb elevated.

• Drink adequately to avoid dehydration. 

• Keep the area clean and dry at all times. 

• Do not apply any creams, dressings or fragrances without medical advice. 

• Maintain a healthy diet. 

Signs of healing and what to expect

• You should start to feel better within one or two days 

• The area of warmth and redness should begin to improve after two or three days but can take a couple of weeks to resolve 

• If the affected area becomes more swollen or painful, call your healthcare provider 

• If you do not start to feel better after two full days of treatment, call your healthcare provider 

• The pain may take longer to subside than the infection 

• Healing cellulitis can become dry, scaly and itchy; the skin will gradually become a deeper red and eventually turn a purple colour, this is healing and is not a concern unless the warmth, pain and swelling increase