Cellulitis symptoms
People with cellulitis have an area of skin that is:
- red and inflamed
- very painful
- tender
- swollen or tight
- warmer to touch than surrounding skin
- redness and inflammation that is expanding in area
People with cellulitis symptoms may also have:
- fever
- chills, shaking or sweating
- nausea
- feeling generally unwell
- blisters or ulcers
- red spots
- skin dimpling
- weeping of clear, yellow or pus like fluid
- enlarged glands (lymph nodes)
If you think you or someone in your care has cellulitis, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible. Cellulitis can spread and can become serious if not treated with antibiotics.
It is particularly important to get urgent medical help if:
- the affected skin is on the face
- there is an animal or human bite
- the redness is spreading very quickly or is very painful
- you have a fever
- you have a chronic disease such as diabetes or weak immune system
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Last reviewed: September 2020