What is it?
Cellulitis is inflammation of the skin and tissues underneath it, which is often caused by bacterial infection. Most common bacteria are Staphylococcus and Streptococcus species.
What are the symptoms?
Cellulitis often presents as the following:
- Swollen, red and warm skin.
- Painful and tender skin.
- Fever.
- Chills.
What to expect?
If you are diagnosed with and treated for cellulitis you should seek medical help if:
- You have an ongoing fever despite 48 hour of treatment.
- Your symptoms such as the redness and pain increase during treatment.
In addition to treatment by your doctor you can try the following things:
- Painkillers such as acetaminophen might help in relieving pain and fever.
- Try to give the affected area rest. If the cellulitis is located on the leg, limit walking as much as possible and elevate your legs when sitting or lying down.