Treating Cellulitis: What to Expect and When to Seek Care

Skin irritation can go beyond basic rashes. If you notice an area of skin that is swollen, warm, and even painful, cellulitis could be to blame.

Cellulitis is a common—and potentially serious—bacterial skin infection that affects millions of Americans each year. Without proper treatment, it can quickly spread and lead to serious complications. Understanding your options and recognizing the early signs can help keep cellulitis at bay. This article outlines what cellulitis looks like, how it's treated, and when it may be time to speak with a surgeon at the Premier Surgical Network. 

What is Cellulitis?

Cellulitis is one of the most common skin infections we see at Premier Surgical Network, particularly after minor injuries, post-surgical wounds, or insect bites. It typically affects the lower legs but can develop anywhere on the body. It may appear as redness, swelling, warmth, and tenderness around the affected area. Fever and chills can occur if the infection spreads.

The most common bacteria causing cellulitis are Streptococcus (strep) and Staphylococcus (staph), with Group A streptococcus being the primary culprit in many cases. Several distinctive symptoms may appear with cellulitis, including:

• Redness and warmth in the affected area
• Swelling and tenderness to touch
• Skin that may appear tight, glossy, or pitted
• Pain or soreness at the infection site
• Possible fever, chills, and fatigue in more severe cases

"Early identification of cellulitis is crucial for effective treatment," explains Dr. Lisa Iucci, a surgeon with experience treating skin conditions. "The infection can spread rapidly, so seeking medical attention at the first signs of redness, swelling, and pain can prevent serious complications." 

Standard Treatment Options

Most cases of cellulitis can be treated with oral antibiotics prescribed by your primary care provider or an urgent care team. In more severe cases—especially those involving high fever, spreading redness, or underlying health conditions—intravenous antibiotics may be needed. If an abscess or pocket of fluid is present, a surgical drainage procedure may be required.

Oral Antibiotics

For mild to moderate cellulitis, oral antibiotics are typically the first line of treatment:

• Beta-lactam antibiotics: Including penicillins and cephalosporins (like cephalexin) are often prescribed for uncomplicated cellulitis.
• Clindamycin or macrolides: These may be prescribed for patients with penicillin allergies.
• Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole: Often added when there's concern about MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus).

Current guidelines from the American Academy of Dermatology recommend a 7 to 14-day course of antibiotics for uncomplicated cellulitis.

Supportive Home Care

Along with antibiotic therapy, several home care measures can help manage symptoms and promote healing:

• Rest and elevate the affected area to reduce swelling
• Apply warm compresses to the affected area
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers as recommended by your healthcare provider
• Keep the affected area clean and moisturized
• Monitor the infection site for changes or worsening symptoms

If your cellulitis isn’t improving or keeps coming back, our New Jersey-based specialists can help determine if a surgical consult is necessary.

Advanced Medical Treatments

Cellulitis generally responds well to timely treatment. Sometimes, however, advanced medical interventions may be necessary.

Intravenous Antibiotic

Hospitalization and intravenous (IV) antibiotics may be required when:

• The infection is severe or rapidly spreading
• Oral antibiotics aren't effective
• A high fever or other signs of systemic infection
• Underlying health conditions that complicate treatment
• Infection is on the face or near vital organs

When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Seek emergency medical care if you notice:

• Rapidly spreading redness and swelling
• Increasing pain or numbness in the affected area
• Red streaks extending from the infected area
• Development of blisters or black areas on the skin
• High fever, confusion, or other signs of systemic infection

If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to speak with a medical professional promptly. Early evaluation and treatment can prevent complications and help you recover more quickly.

Preventing Recurrences

Unfortunately, cellulitis can sometimes come back, especially in individuals with certain risk factors. Taking preventive measures is important for reducing the likelihood of future episodes.

Risk Factors for Recurrent Cellulitis

• Previous episodes of cellulitis
• Chronic skin conditions like eczema or athlete's foot
• Lymphedema or poor circulation
• Weakened immune system
• Obesity
• Diabetes

Prevention Strategies

You can take some basic steps to help prevent cellulitis or recurrences of cellulitis,  including: 

• Practicing good skin hygiene
• Moisturizing regularly to prevent cracks and dryness
• Promptly cleaning and protecting any cuts, scrapes, or wounds
• Treating underlying skin conditions like athlete's foot or eczema
• Managing chronic conditions like diabetes and maintaining good circulation
• Wearing appropriate protective shoes and clothing during activities that might cause skin injury

"For patients who experience recurrent cellulitis, preventive measures are just as important as treatment," says Dr. Iucci. "Something as simple as treating your eczema or carefully moisturizing dry skin can significantly reduce the risk of future infections."

Prophylactic Antibiotics

Some patients experience frequent cellulitis recurrences. In these cases, doctors may recommend long-term, low-dose antibiotic therapy to prevent future infections—typically considered for individuals who’ve had multiple episodes within a short period.

What to Do if You Suspect Cellulitis

If you're noticing signs of cellulitis—or have experienced recurring infections—it's important to speak with a provider who can guide you through the next steps. At Premier Surgical Network, our New Jersey surgeons regularly evaluate and manage cellulitis as part of our broader skin and soft tissue care.

Early attention matters. Redness, swelling, warmth, or skin tenderness may signal an infection that requires timely treatment.

If you’re currently experiencing symptoms, schedule an appointment with Dr. Lisa Iucci to discuss your options.