Adult Skin Problems Slideshow Pictures Quiz: Can You Identify These Skin Conditions? Gallery of Skin Problems and Images Collection

Medical Author:

Sandra Gonzalez Gompf, MD, FACP

Sandra Gonzalez Gompf, MD, FACP

View Full Profile

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.

View Full Profile

Cellulitis Diagnosis

Most likely the doctor will make the diagnosis from a medical history and physical examination.

• The doctor may also draw blood for testing if he or she feels the infection is severe enough to be in the bloodstream or to check for an elevated white blood cell count.



• The doctor also may order an X-ray of the area if there is concern that a foreign object is in the skin or that bone underneath is infected.



• The doctor may try to draw fluid from the affected area with a needle and send the fluid to the laboratory for a culture.

Cellulitis Treatment

Self-Care at Home

• Rest the area of the body involved.



• Elevate the area of the body involved. This will help decrease swelling and relieve discomfort.



• Use over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin). This will decrease the pain as well as help keep the fever down.