About Cellulitis
Cellulitis is a bacterial infection of the deeper layers of skin. It usually causes an area that becomes red, warm, swollen and painful, and it can spread quickly or be accompanied by fever.
Symptoms can overlap between conditions. How they change, relevant health history, medications and risk factors are therefore as important as the condition name during an assessment.
Symptoms and details worth noting
Before a consultation, note the details that best describe the concern. They help the healthcare professional understand the problem and how urgent it may be.
- Where the change is located and when it began
- Colour, texture, size, itch, pain, warmth, drainage or spread
- New products, medications, plants, animals, travel or close contacts
- Clear photos in natural light and changes over time
Possible causes and context
These factors can guide an assessment, but they cannot confirm a diagnosis on their own.
- Irritation or an allergic reaction
- A bacterial, viral, fungal or parasitic infection
- Inflammation or a chronic skin condition
- Medication, hormonal or environmental factors
LASO MD
How a virtual consultation may help
The healthcare professional first checks symptoms, risk factors and warning signs. Based on the assessment, they may discuss appropriate options or recommend in-person care.
- Review the appearance and symptom timeline
- Assess clear photos and relevant exposures
- Discuss skin care and symptom relief
- Decide whether a swab, scraping, examination or urgent treatment is needed
Signs that need prompt attention
Seek urgent care for a rapidly spreading painful rash, skin peeling or blistering, purple spots with fever, facial swelling, breathing difficulty, or redness with fever and severe illness.