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Cellulitis
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Skin Hair Nails

Cellulitis

Cellulitis is a skin infection caused by bacteria entering through a wound, requiring medical diagnosis and antibiotic treatment.

Overview

Cellulitis is an infection of the skin and deep underlying tissues. Group A strep (streptococcal) bacteria are the most common cause. The bacteria enter your body when you get an injury such as a bruise, burn, surgical cut, or wound.

Symptoms

Symptoms include:

  • Fever and chills
  • Swollen glands or lymph nodes
  • A rash with painful, red, tender skin. The skin may blister and scab over.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Your health care provider may take a sample or culture from your skin or do a blood test to identify the bacteria causing infection. Treatment is with antibiotics. They may be oral in mild cases, or intravenous (by IV) for more severe cases.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you notice a sudden, painful, red area of skin that is warm to the touch, especially if it spreads quickly or is accompanied by fever, chills, or swollen lymph nodes, seek medical care within 24 hours. Early treatment reduces the risk of complications such as abscess formation or spread to deeper tissues.
OTC pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage discomfort, but they do not treat the underlying bacterial infection. Cellulitis requires prescription antibiotics; home remedies alone are ineffective and can delay proper care, potentially worsening the infection.
Rapid enlargement of the red area, increasing pain, the development of blisters or pus, a high fever (above 38.3°C/100.9°F), or the appearance of a rash that looks like a spreading line (erythema marginatum) are red flags. If you experience shortness of breath, chest pain, or confusion, call emergency services immediately.
Most mild cases are treated with 7–10 days of oral antibiotics, while severe cases may need 10–14 days of IV therapy. If you still have redness, swelling, or fever after completing the prescribed course, contact your healthcare provider promptly—they may need to adjust the medication or investigate for complications such as an abscess or a different bacterial strain.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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