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June 19, 2013
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Cellulitis (cont.)

Medical Author:

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Medical Editor:
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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Cellulitis Prevention

  • It is very important to keep your skin clean by practicing good personal hygiene.


  • If you notice pain or discomfort from an area of the skin, check to see what it looks like. If it appears inflamed and progresses from one day to the next, you will most likely need treatment.


  • Avoid situations that may injure your skin, especially if you have swelling from circulatory problems.


  • Wear sturdy, well-fitting shoes or slippers with loose-fitting cotton socks. Avoid walking barefoot in areas where you do not have a good idea about what you are walking on, for example, in garages, on a littered beach, or in the woods.


  • If you do injure your skin, wash the area with soap and water and check to make sure that the injury is getting better over the next several days.


  • Certain injuries may be at greater risk for infection than others. You may need to take antibiotics to prevent infection or have other preventive care, such as a tetanus vaccine. Be sure to contact your doctor if you have injuries such as these:


    • Animal or human bites


    • Puncture injuries deeper than a ½ inch, such as stepping on a nail


    • Crushed tissue that bleeds, burns that blister, frostbite, or deep injuries with dirt in them


    • Injuries in contact with sea water


  • Find out if you have diabetes or other significant medical conditions, such as liver or kidney disease. These conditions may be present without symptoms. Follow your doctor's instructions for management of these conditions.


  • Talk to your doctor if you have swelling in your limbs that does not go away.

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Cellulitis - Treatment

The eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:

What treatment was effective for your cellulitis?

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Cellulitis - Symptoms

The eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:

The symptoms of cellulitis can vary greatly from patient to patient. What were your initial symptoms?

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Read What Your Physician is Reading on Medscape

Cellulitis »

Cellulitis is a term that describes the inflammatory response caused by bacteria in the skin below the epidermis.

Read More on Medscape Reference »


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