Version July 2025
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What are cellulitis and erysipelas? —
These are both skin infections that can cause redness, pain, and swelling. The difference between them is that erysipelas tends to affect the upper layers of skin, and cellulitis tends to affect deep layers of skin and sometimes the fat under the skin.
Cellulitis and erysipelas can happen when germs get into the skin. Normally, different types of germs live on a person's skin. Most of the time, these germs do not cause any problems. But if a person gets a cut or a break in the skin, the germs can get into the skin and cause an infection.
Certain conditions can increase a person's chance of getting cellulitis or erysipelas. These include having:
●A cut (even a tiny one)
●Another type of skin infection or a long-term skin condition
●Swelling of the skin or swelling in the body
●Excess body weight
What are the symptoms of cellulitis and erysipelas? —
Both types of infection cause very similar symptoms. Either one can cause the infected area to be painful, red, swollen, or warm. Some people also have fever or chills. Some people have no symptoms.
Most of the time, cellulitis and erysipelas happen on the legs or arms. But people can get them in other places, such as the belly, face, in the mouth, or around the anus.
Will I need tests? —
Most people do not need any tests. Your doctor or nurse will do an exam and look at your skin.
It's important for a doctor or nurse to do an exam to figure out what kind of infection you have. The right treatment depends on the type of infection and which germs are causing it. Your doctor or nurse might need to do tests to figure out the cause of your infection.
If you have cellulitis or erysipelas, it's important to get treated. They can spread to the whole body and become serious if not treated.
How are cellulitis and erysipelas treated? —
They are treated with antibiotic pills. It is very important to finish all the pills, even if you start to feel better. If you do not finish the medicine, the infection can come back worse.
People who have severe infections might be treated in the hospital and given antibiotics through a thin tube that goes into a vein, called an "IV".
What can I do on my own? —
You should:
●Raise the infected area to reduce swelling – Raise it above the level of your heart 3 or 4 times a day (by propping it on pillows, for example), for 30 minutes each time.
●Keep the infected area clean and dry – You can take a shower or bath, but pat the area dry with a towel afterward.
Antibiotic ointments or creams do not work to treat cellulitis and erysipelas.
Should I call my doctor or nurse? —
Call your doctor or nurse if your symptoms do not get better within 3 days of starting treatment. You should also call if the affected area gets:
●Bigger
●More swollen
●More painful
Your doctor or nurse might do another exam or tests to see if you need different medicines.
Can skin infections be prevented? —
Sometimes. If you cut your skin, wash the area well with soap and water. This helps prevent the area from getting infected. If you have a long-term skin condition, ask your doctor or nurse what you can do to help prevent infections.
Patient education: Cellulitis (skin infection) in adults – Discharge instructions (The Basics)
Patient education: Cellulitis (skin infection) in children – Discharge instructions (The Basics)
Patient education: Cellulitis around the eye (The Basics)
Patient education: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) (The Basics)
Patient education: Skin abscess (The Basics)
Patient education: Skin abscess drainage (The Basics)
Patient education: Skin and soft tissue infection (cellulitis) (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) (Beyond the Basics)
