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

Follow the links below to find trusted information on cellulitis.