Cellulitis

Cellulitis is a bacterial infection of the skin and tissues beneath the skin called the dermis and subcutaneous tissue. The main bacteria responsible are Streptococcus and Staphylococcus, also known as staph.

Cellulitis can occur anywhere on the body but the most common area of the infection is the lower leg. If you suffer from cellulitis you may experience redness, warmth, swelling, tenderness and pain in the involved tissues. It is quite common and can affect people of all ages and races.

Treating Cellulitis at IPSA

At the IPSA clinic, you will be seen by our doctor immediately. You do not need to book a prior appointment.

We will give you a full examination to exclude any serious causes for your symptoms. If you are suffering from cellulitis, you will be offered treatment immediately to prevent the infection from progressing further.

The doctor will offer you a review appointment so we can assess the infection following the treatment and see if further intervention is necessary.

If there is no improvement within a designated period, we will take skin swabs for lab assessment. We may however recommend starting antibiotic therapy based on your clinical symptoms. Antibiotics may be changed later if the lab results dictate the use of an alternative antibiotic.

At IPSA, we aim to give you complete peace of mind and full accessibility to our doctor in case you need the service following your consultation.

What Causes Cellulitis?

Cellulitis often develops in broken skin, such as a cut, wound, or insect bite. If no injury is apparent, there may be microscopic cracks in the skin that have become inflamed or irritated. It can also appear in the skin near ulcers or surgical wounds.

Cellulitis Symptoms

Cellulitis usually starts as tenderness, swelling, and redness that spreads across affected areas of skin. As the red area increases, you may develop a fever which is sometimes accompanied by chills, sweats, tenderness and swollen glands, or lymph nodes, around the infected skin.

Are There Any Complications?

It is essential to visit a doctor immediately if you feel that you have cellulitis. If it is left untreated, it can progress rapidly and the infection can progress into the bloodstream.

If you have any concerns about cellulitis or other infections, contact IPSA. You can visit us and speak to one of our experienced doctors without booking an appointment.