Cellulitis

2 sourcesEvery line checked against its source

In short

Cellulitis is a skin infection that's treated with antibiotics.

What it is1

Cellulitis makes your skin painful, hot and swollen.
NHS website
You can get cellulitis on any part of your body but it's more common on your lower limbs.
NHS website
Cellulitis in your eye is very serious.
NHS website
You cannot catch cellulitis from another person, as it affects the deeper layers of the skin.
NHS website
If cellulitis is not treated quickly, the infection can spread to other parts of the body, such as the blood, muscles and bones.
NHS website

For mild cellulitis affecting a small area of skin, a doctor will prescribe antibiotic tablets, usually for a week.
NHS website
It's important to keep taking antibiotics until they're finished, even when you feel better.
NHS website
Raising the affected body part on a pillow or chair while sitting or lying down can reduce swelling.
NHS website

Call 911 or go to the emergency room if cellulitis comes with a very high temperature or feeling hot, cold or shivery; a fast heartbeat or fast breathing; purple patches on the skin; feeling dizzy or faint; confusion; cold, clammy or pale skin; or unresponsiveness. These are symptoms of serious complications.
NHS website

Get care soon if your skin is painful, hot and swollen. Early treatment with antibiotics can stop cellulitis becoming more serious.
NHS website

These pages describe what the sources say. They cannot say what is going on with your skin.

A one-minute scan on your iPhone, a plain answer mapped to your face, and what helps, with its source. Free to start.