What it is
It is more likely with leg swelling, lymphoedema, diabetes, being overweight and skin conditions. Treating the cause of broken skin helps prevent it coming back.
Most people get better with antibiotic tablets. Some need antibiotics through a drip in hospital.
Common signs
- An area of skin that is red or darker, hot, swollen and painful
- Redness that spreads
- Blisters
- Fever, shivering and feeling unwell
How it is usually diagnosed
- Diagnosed by examining the skin
- Blood tests or swabs if it is severe or does not improve
- Marking the edge of the redness to see if it spreads
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- Dates of each episode and the antibiotics used
- Swab and blood test results
- Photos of the affected area
- Hospital discharge summaries, if admitted
Questions to ask your doctor
- What let the infection in, and how can I prevent it coming back?
- What should I do if the redness keeps spreading?
- Do I need preventive antibiotics?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- Fever with fast breathing, confusion, cold blotchy skin or feeling very unwell, which may be sepsis: call 112
- Cellulitis around the eye
This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.