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What is Leg Cellulitis?

D. Jeffress
D. Jeffress

Leg cellulitis is a painful skin rash on the lower or upper legs that usually results from a bacterial infection. Strains of staphylococci, streptococci, and other common bacteria can enter the skin through a break, cut, or insect bite. Redness and tenderness tend to develop quickly, and symptoms of fever and chills can come about if infection is not treated right away. Prescription oral antibiotics and topical creams are usually sufficient to clear up cellulitis, but a serious infection may require hospitalization and more aggressive treatment.

Bacteria can invade inner layers of skin tissue on the leg through an open wound, bite, or ulcer. People who have excessively dry and flaky skin may also develop leg cellulitis even if visible wounds are not obvious. A person of any age can develop the condition, but young children, people over the age of 60, and individuals with disorders that compromise their immune systems are at the highest risk of infection. Other chronic conditions that increase the likelihood of leg ulcers, including diabetes, are often responsible for recurring cellulitis.

Leg cellulitis is a painful skin rash on the upper or lower legs.
Leg cellulitis is a painful skin rash on the upper or lower legs.

Within a few hours or days of infection, the skin around a wound tends to become red, tender, and warm. Mild swelling is common as inflammation worsens, and the rash may or may not be itchy. Over time, an untreated rash usually begins to spread across a wide area of the leg and possibly afflict the buttocks, groin area, and abdomen. Fever and other flu-like symptoms such as joint aches and chills are common as the infection spreads. It is important to visit a doctor or emergency room when symptoms become serious to prevent infection from spreading to the heart, brain, and other vital organs.

A person admitted to the hospital with leg cellulitis will be administered intravenous antibiotics.
A person admitted to the hospital with leg cellulitis will be administered intravenous antibiotics.

Doctors can usually diagnose cellulitis by carefully inspecting a rash and asking about symptoms. In order to determine the bacteria responsible for infection, a blood or tissue sample may be collected for lab tests. The doctor may also check the lymph nodes for swelling and screen for lung and throat infections.

Children and adults who have relatively mild symptoms are usually prescribed antibiotics. A doctor typically provides a topical analgesic as well to ease pain and swelling. By taking medications as directed, resting, and staying hydrated, most people start feeling better within about two weeks.

Fever and chills are among the symptoms of severe leg cellulitis.
Fever and chills are among the symptoms of severe leg cellulitis.

A patient who has severe symptoms related to leg cellulitis may be admitted into the hospital. Intravenous antibiotics, fluids, and fever-reducing medications are given to manage symptoms. Doctors carefully monitor patients' conditions and conduct tests to see if underlying autoimmune disorders are present. With prompt treatment, even serious cases of cellulitis can usually be cured.

Discussion Comments

anon86581

My Son has a knee surgery from a fall,he had cellulitis four times after they removed the plate inside the leg. He was on IV antibiotics for 30 days the first time. He was in a lot of pain. The rest of the time he stayed one week at a time.

But the last time it happened, he got so sick, and then the doctor put him on a different antibiotics. He stayed two days on the IV, then 10 days on oral antibiotics.

He now sees an infection specialist, and they decided to put him on a preventive treatment for two years with oral antibiotics. He is worried what the medicine might do to him, and if it's harmful. He is 40 years old.

The doctor is starting him on four times a day, then three times, then two times, then one time a day for long term. Then he will ween him off and see what happens. Is it safe to be on antibiotics? Thank you.

anon85999

My husband had a knee surgery and he know has cellulitis. They have him on IV antibiotics. He has been on IV antibiotics for three weeks. One leg is swollen but not hot or red. Is this normal?

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    • Leg cellulitis is a painful skin rash on the upper or lower legs.
      By: quayside
      Leg cellulitis is a painful skin rash on the upper or lower legs.
    • A person admitted to the hospital with leg cellulitis will be administered intravenous antibiotics.
      By: michaeljung
      A person admitted to the hospital with leg cellulitis will be administered intravenous antibiotics.
    • Fever and chills are among the symptoms of severe leg cellulitis.
      By: Ocskay Bence
      Fever and chills are among the symptoms of severe leg cellulitis.
    • A topical antibiotic may be used to treat leg cellulitis.
      By: Coprid
      A topical antibiotic may be used to treat leg cellulitis.