Practice guidelines for the diagnosis and management of skin and soft tissue infections: 2014 update by the infectious diseases society of America. Cellulitis/staph is life threatening! No, cellulitis doesnt itch. It may also be a sign of an immune system disorder or other disease. You may notice pitting on your skin (known as orange peel skin) or blisters, and you may also have a fever or chills. Because the toxin spreads throughout the body, staphylococcal infection of a small area of skin may result in peeling over the entire body. Adding a skin protectant, such as petrolatum, may also help the skin heal faster. However, your affected area may itch once your skin starts to heal. doi: 10.1136/bmj.e4955. Many people who get cellulitis again usually have skin conditions that dont go away without treatment, such as athletes foot or impetigo. Hepburn MJ, Dooley DP, Skidmore PJ, Ellis MW, Starnes WF, Hasewinkle WC. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Once the infection begins to spread, it can quickly become life threatening. Tell a doctor if the area of infection continues to spread or you become worse after you start antibiotics. Prevent cuts and scrapes by wearing appropriate clothing and footwear, using gloves when necessary, and trimming fingernails and toenails with care. Cellulitis usually appears on the lower legs. Do nothing except moisturizer until gone. Avoid antibiotics, this is your bodies job. Cellulitis isnt usually contagious. These cookies allow us to count visits and traffic sources so we can measure and improve the performance of our site. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Learn more here. As the infection spreads, the discoloration gets darker as your skin swells and becomes tender. Cellulitis is not itchy in the early stages of the infection. Picking at peeling skin can lead to infection. Sometimes oral probenecid is added to maintain antibiotic levels in the blood. Its signs and symptoms may include: An irritated area of skin that tends to expand Swelling Tenderness Pain Warmth Fever Chills Spots Blisters Skin dimpling When to see a doctor It's important to identify and treat cellulitis early because the condition can spread rapidly throughout your body. Signs of healing to look for include: Reduced pain. It also makes new skin cells to replace the thousands of cells that die off every day. Peeling Skin Disorders: A Paradigm for Skin Desquamation. This condition will not go away without medical care. Tell your doctor if you dont feel better within a few days on your antibiotic. Haematological and immunological findings are usually normal. Please send photo to be sure it is not worsening with the bleeding part. Clin Infect Dis. 2015;92(6):474-483. Check out candida symptoms & c if anything sounds like any thing you've suffered from. Left untreated, cellulitis can be life-threatening. Cellulitis: All you need to know. All rights reserved. the area is healing but there is dry peeling skin on wound and around it where bandage was. Many different bacteria can cause cellulitis. However, the affected skin may flake or peel during treatment. In some cases, antibiotics are continued until all signs of infection have cleared (redness, pain and swelling), sometimes for several months. Most people feel better after seven to 10 days. Cellulitis makes your skin painful, hot and swollen. Serious infections resulting from cellulitis include: Additionally, health experts advise that someone with cellulitis may develop sepsis or necrotizing fasciitis a rare bacterial infection in rare instances. Doing this helps reduce a rush of fluid into my leg which hurts like 'heck' and stretches the skin. You should provide the names and dosages of any medications, vitamins and supplements that you take. Erysipelas and cellulitis: Can antibiotics prevent cellulitis from coming back? This includes your face, arms, and eyelids. That took a few weeks to stop. Some people may also develop fever and chills. In the initial stages of wound healing, the wound and developing scar appear red or reddish-purple. Clean wounds Stevens DL, Bisno AL, Chambers HF, Dellinger EP, Goldstein EJ, Gorbach SL, Hirschmann JV, Kaplan SL, Montoya JG, Wade JC; Infectious Diseases Society of America. N Engl J Med. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. Peeling skin after cellulitis A 38-year-old female asked: I had a epidermoid cyst removed via minimal excision plus cellulitis. U.K. Dermatology Clinical Trials Network's PATCH I Trial Team. How do I know if my infection is getting better? The skin is smooth; it is not bumpy or raised. Be careful to clean and cover any wounds and cuts and wear protective gloves when needed. Add your voice! A person should take the whole course of antibiotics as a healthcare professional advises. What are you using on the leg or wherever ? We link primary sources including studies, scientific references, and statistics within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. This is known as "peau d'orange." Thanks! If the cellulitis becomes very bad you may feel shivery and weak. These infections should be treated since they can cause breaks in the skin that can lead to cellulitis. Many people falsely attribute an episode of cellulitis to an unseen spider bite. TimesMojo is a social question-and-answer website where you can get all the answers to your questions. Approximately 33% of all people who have cellulitis get it again. At this point, the affected area of skin may no longer be tender to the touch. Peeling skin happens when your body sheds some of your skins outer layer called the epidermis. If no signs of staphylococcal infection are seen, doctors may do a biopsy, in which a small piece of skin is removed and sent to the laboratory to be tested. DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS: You should see the area become less red and swollen. It is generally not a cause for concern as long as a person gets treatment. The peeling is part of your skins natural healing process. Coming to a Cleveland Clinic location?Hillcrest Cancer Center check-in changesCole Eye entrance closingVisitation and COVID-19 information, Notice of Intelligent Business Solutions data eventLearn more. A dermatologist can determine the cause and suggest an appropriate treatment. Neth J Med. Swelling and warmth may improve within a few days, although these symptoms can last a couple of weeks. Treatment may be switched to oral antibiotics when the fever has settled, cellulitis has regressed, and CRP is reducing. Severe or rapidly progressive cellulitis may lead to complications that require prompt treatment: Sepsis is recognised by fever, malaise, loss of appetite, nausea, lethargy, headache, aching muscles and joints. You may require hospitalization and intravenous (IV) antibiotics your healthcare provider will use a small needle and tube to deliver the antibiotics directly into a vein. Severe cases of cellulitis may not respond to oral antibiotics. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. This involves doctors administering antibiotics to prevent infection before it occurs. However, if the infection is not treated or the medicine is not effective. Cellulitis develops when bacteria enter a crack or break in your skin, such as a scratch, bite, or cut. Sunburns, allergies and skin diseases cause skin to peel. You see red streaks coming from the infected area. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Cellulitis symptoms include redness, swelling, and pain in the skin. The most common symptoms of cellulitis include: itching swelling or red, inflamed areas of skin pain and tenderness tight, glossy skin over infected area feeling of warmth fever abscess or. 5. Surgical debridement in which portions of your infected skin and muscle are removed is attempted first for severe infections. Cellulitis does not typically cause itching in the early stages of infection. Phoenix G, Das S, Joshi M. Diagnosis and management of cellulitis. 2012 Aug 7;345:e4955. My leg then gets very RED,PAINFUL..and im usually on my anti biotics for a weekafter a couple of weeks my skin peels . Skin felt hard along calf. Common side effects of antibiotics can include rash, dizziness, nausea, diarrhea and yeast infections. are loaded w/chemicals & may not have a good effect for you vs another, plus it's simply just bad for your blood. This is because the injured area sends signals to the body to direct more blood flow to the area to help the healing process. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. The edge of the involved area of swelling should be marked to monitor progression/regression of the infection. In: Loscalzo J, Fauci A, Kasper D, et al., eds. Author: Dr Amy Stanway, Department of Dermatology, Waikato Hospital, Hamilton, New Zealand, 2001. The patient should rest and elevate the affected limb. Cellulitis is typically treated with antibiotics. Which OTC pain relievers do you recommend? Cellulitis is a skin infection caused by bacteria. If I dont have cellulitis, what other condition might I have? Thats why its important not to ignore the symptoms, such as an irritated or painful rash, skin blisters, swelling, and fever. Cellulitis is a bacterial skin infection. You can review and change the way we collect information below. All rights reserved. Cellulitis can cause permanent skin changes if the infection worsens and spreads to underlying tissues such as your muscles and bones. Cleveland Clinic Children's is dedicated to the medical, surgical and rehabilitative care of infants, children and adolescents. Apply fragrance-free, hypoallergenic moisturizing cream or ointment (theyre thicker than lotions). In most cases, youll be prescribed an oral antibiotic that youll need to take for 5 to 10 days. Untreated cellulitis can spread and quickly cause life threatening complications. It's nothing to worry about. Books about skin diseasesBooks about the skin A systematic review of bacteremias in cellulitis and erysipelas, Comparison of short-course (5 days) and standard (10 days) treatment for uncomplicated cellulitis, Practice guidelines for the diagnosis and management of skin and soft tissue infections: 2014 update by the infectious diseases society of America, Cellulitis: current insights into pathophysiology and clinical management. Get prescriptions or refills through a video chat, if the doctor feels the prescriptions are medically appropriate. Treatment. However, the condition can lead to more severe complications, such as sepsis, infection, and inflammation in other body areas, such as the heart or bones. Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Dr. Mark Lubienski answered I was hospitalized for cellulitis, on IV drugs and treated for hyperglycemia. The most common signs and symptoms of cellulitis infection are: Redness of the skin, which becomes worse as the skin rash due to infection spreads Pain and tenderness on the surface of the skin, especially if blisters on the skin form or when pressing down on the infected area. However, the infection can spread if not treated properly. Refraining from touching or rubbing your affected areas. Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 04/15/2022. 2017 Nov;75(9):366-378. The fastest way to get rid of cellulitis is to take your full course of antibiotics. Last updated on Apr 2, 2023. You may need any of the following medicines: The following list of medications are in some way related to or used in the treatment of this condition. Always treating any skin infections, including common minor conditions like athletes foot, quickly. In addition, it discusses recovery timelines, tips for recovery, and when someone should speak with a doctor. It can also cause the skin to blister and peel. You might need longer treatment if your infection is more severe. What should i do to peeling skin from a sun tan. Chris M. Matsko, MD Family Medicine Physician Expert Answer Yes, you can can have peeling of the skin with cellulitis, giving your skin the appearance of an orange peel. Antibiotics dont work against viruses. The easiest way to lookup drug information, identify pills, check interactions and set up your own personal medication records. Assuming your body has responded well to antibiotic treatment, most if not all of your cellulitis symptoms should subside within 10 days of antibiotic treatment. All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. Specialist nurses may advise on dressings and bandaging. I have no doubt it was the bromelain, a favorite supplement which I continue to take daily. Knowledge of local organisms and resistance patterns is essential in selecting appropriate antibiotics. It is normal for the skin to peel with cellulitis. 2023 Healthline Media LLC. Each time you take an antibiotic, bacteria are killed. There are no vaccines to prevent group A strep infections, but there are things you can do to help protect yourself and others. They can cause bacteria to become increasingly resistant to treatment, for example, and destroy healthy flora in the gut. Your skin might blister and swell, and you might develop a fever. If you have cellulitis on your hands or feet, it may be challenging to close your hands or walk. If you have peeling skin, its a sign that your skin is healing from some type of damage. I had Cellulitis is Febuary and a sweet nurse told me to try Corn Huskers Lotion on my leg. Last medically reviewed on February 27, 2023, Periorbital cellulitis is an infection of the eyelid and surrounding skin. These symptoms are a sign the infection has spread to your bloodstream. However, if youve got a severe case of cellulitis, your healthcare provider may recommend tests to make sure the infection hasnt spread to other parts of your body. (Palmer's cream might not help much, but it isn't harmful, You should be seen by infectious disease physician . The risk factors of lower limb cellulitis: A case-control study in a tertiary centre. Cellulitis can be successfully treated with antibiotics. Cellulitis. If your symptoms do not start to improve during this time, contact your doctor. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits. Cellulitis is not itchy in the early stages of the infection. The symptoms and how severe they are can also vary depending on the part of your body thats affected. The bacteria could spread to your bloodstream (bacteremia) or heart (endocarditis), which may be fatal. What is the definition or description of: peeling skin? The affected skin area may start off red, swollen and dry but may progress to become blistered, weeping and discoloured. Doctors may mark out an area of skin that has developed cellulitis to monitor a persons recovery. Cellulitis is not normally itchy until it starts to go away and the skin heals. The blood pools under the skin . Poorly controlled diabetes may also contribute to repeat instances of cellulitis. Cellulitis causes swelling and pain. Getting medical attention right away for any deep cuts or puncture wounds. Last medically reviewed on November 11, 2022. If there are no signs of systemic illness or extensive infection, patients with mild cellulitis can be treated with oral antibiotics at home, for a minimum of 510 days. This is the outermost layer of your skin and also the thinnest layer. These help protect the area. I got the lotion at Wal-Marts but I am sure you can find it at other stores too. Leah Ansell, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and an assistant professor of dermatology at Columbia University. If you have a wound on your skin, keeping it clean and well cared for can help reduce your risk of cellulitis. We avoid using tertiary references. All I had to do was take a look at the bright fluorescent colored urine to know that much of what I take is passing through the body without being absorbed. After five days of antibiotic treatment, most people will notice a significant decrease in pain, swelling, and redness. arrow-right-small-blue Antibiotic medication, either delivered orally or intravenously, is the main form of treatment used to treat cellulitis. The condition will not go away on its own, but early treatment can prevent serious complications. Coming to a Cleveland Clinic location?Hillcrest Cancer Center check-in changesCole Eye entrance closingVisitation and COVID-19 information, Notice of Intelligent Business Solutions data eventLearn more. What to expect when cellulitis is healing? EMMY NOMINATIONS 2022: Outstanding Limited Or Anthology Series, EMMY NOMINATIONS 2022: Outstanding Lead Actress In A Comedy Series, EMMY NOMINATIONS 2022: Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Comedy Series, EMMY NOMINATIONS 2022: Outstanding Lead Actress In A Limited Or Anthology Series Or Movie, EMMY NOMINATIONS 2022: Outstanding Lead Actor In A Limited Or Anthology Series Or Movie. You notice an increase in swelling, discoloration or pain. Does cellulitis present as a sunburn-like condition, with pain and eventual peeling of the skin? Shower (dont bathe) in warm water (hot water is drying). The area usually looks red, but this may be less obvious on brown or black skin. The main sign of cellulitis is discolored skin that is swollen, warm, painful, or tender to the touch. Cellulitis is a skin infection caused by bacteria that enter through a cut, bite, or other type of wound, or through cracked, dry skin. Does cellulitis turn purple when healing? A red line tracks from the site of infection to nearby tender, swollen lymph glands. You have questions or concerns about your condition or care. Please let me know how it works for you! The celluitis burns your skin and it will stay red forever, but the cream kept it from peeling for me. Bandage wounds Killing the candida with vinegar on the skin & acidifying your stomach will help. And if you're prone to skin cracks, either due to a condition such as eczema or because you have dry skin, applying a thick moisturizer can help create a barrier against bacteria and protect against infection. Keeping your skin clean washes away bacteria that cause cellulitis. If the infection is in the arm or leg, then keeping that limb elevated can help decrease swelling and speed up recovery. Penicillin to prevent recurrent leg cellulitis. Cellulitis develops when bacteria enter a crack or break in your skin, such as a scratch, bite, or cut. As cellulitis starts to heal, a person may notice that the inflammation stops spreading and that the area the doctor has marked out begins to reduce in size. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you. Anyone can get cellulitis, but the risk is higher if you have a skin wound that allows bacteria to enter your body easily or a weakened immune system. The damage to your skin was done. Or apply aloe vera to soothe a sunburn. Most cellulitis symptoms will decrease after three to five days with most infections clearing up in about 10 days. Documented spider bites have not led to cellulitis. Sometimes, bacteria causing infections are already resistant to prescribed antibiotics. There are many causes of peeling skin, which is why its important to see your healthcare provider. Available for Android and iOS devices. do i need to keep cleaning it everyday with soap ? You have purple dots or bumps on your skin, or you see bleeding under your skin. Its very important to take cellulitis seriously and get treatment right away. Cookies used to enable you to share pages and content that you find interesting on CDC.gov through third party social networking and other websites. How long does it take for antibiotics to work for bacterial infection? Now, a new study from Case Western Reserve University shows that antibiotics can damage immune cells and worsen oral infections. it itches a little? If you have a weakened immune system, talking with your doctor about extra precautions you can take to avoid cellulitis is helpful. For many people who get cellulitis, experts do not know how the bacteria get into the body. Rare causes of cellulitis include: Other forms of skin injury that may increase bacterial exposure and cellulitis infection include surgical wounds and insect bites. Killing the candida with vinegar on the skin & acidifying your stomach will help. Avoid trauma, wear long sleeves and pants in high-risk activities, such as gardening, Keep skin clean and well moisturised, with, Avoid having blood tests taken from the affected limb, Keep swollen limbs elevated during rest periods to aid. In most cases, you should feel better within seven to 10 days after you start taking antibiotics. Chest X-ray in case of heart failure or pneumonia, Management of co-existing skin conditions like, Amoxicillin and clavulanic acid provide broad-spectrum cover if unusual bacteria are suspected, Cephalosporins are also commonly used (eg ceftriaxone, cefotaxime or cefazolin), Broad-spectrum antibiotics may also include linezolid, ceftaroline, or daptomycin. These tests may include: Treatments for peeling skin vary depending on the underlying cause. Antibiotics are given to treat cellulitis. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Cellulitis: current insights into pathophysiology and clinical management. A persons skin may also develop blisters or appear pitted, similar to an orange peel. This article will review the different stages of healing and what to do if antibiotics don't work. Cellulitis is often easily treated with a course of antibiotics. How long before swelling goes down with cellulitis? Clean and cover draining or open wounds with clean, dry bandages until they heal. It happens when small cuts or other skin breaks allow bacteria to enter. If you notice any area of skin that becomes red, warm, swollen, and painful, contact your healthcare provider immediately. Should your cellulitis progress and result in complications, surgery may be required to prevent sepsis. Treatment should also include: More severe cellulitis and systemic symptoms should be treated with fluids, intravenous antibiotics and oxygen. Treatment includes antibiotics. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. It can also appear on the arms, face, and other areas. In addition, bromelain helps heal or lessen: * Pancreatic Insufficiency and Steatorrhea. Hepburn MJ, et al. cdc.gov/groupastrep/diseases-public/Cellulitis.html, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7136668/. It's a site that collects all the most frequently asked questions and answers, so you don't have to spend hours on searching anywhere else. The above information is an educational aid only. They may also experience less pain or tenderness and decreased redness in the area. Failure to do so could delay the amount of time it takes for your cellulitis to heal. Your healthcare provider can recommend gentle skin products that ease and prevent peeling skin. A dermatologist, a medical doctor who specializes in skin conditions, can determine whats causing your skin to peel. After successful treatment, the skin may flake or peel off as it heals. Phlegmon is a medical term describing an inflammation of soft tissue that spreads under the skin or inside the body. the area is healing but there is dry peeling skin on wound and around it where bandage was. 2. Though rare, you may be able to contract cellulitis if you have an open wound and have skin-to-skin contact with an infected persons open wound. From what I found out, cellulitis is a staph infection and once you get it, you are susceptible to get it for the rest of your life. is it normal for skin to peel and bleed? For how long and at what times of the day should I take my medication? In children, cellulitis more commonly affects the face and neck. Our expert physicians and surgeons provide a full range of dermatologic, reconstructive and aesthetic treatments options at Cleveland Clinic. It usually affects the arms and legs. Make sure healthcare professionals are aware of other, intravenous punctures such as injection sites. It spread over both legs, my upper arms and one inner thigh. Read our. Just happened to have my last series of antibiodics yesterday for cellulitis in my foot and ankle caused by four spider bites and happened because my immune system has been compromised since recent diagnosis of Acute Bronchitis and borderline stage 2/3 Emphysema :-( I didn't get the peeling skin like you did but it sure has itched :-(. Bronze Recipe Medal for All Time! Now I am getting cellulitis again and guess I am going to have to get back on antibiotics. The first sign of the illness is often feeling unwell, with fever, chills and shakes (rigors). Using protective creams and other moisturizers like Vaseline to help keep bacteria out of cuts and wounds. However, your arms, face, and other areas of the body can also be affected. In the hospital, youll receive intravenous (IV) antibiotics. We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information. Kristen Gasnick, PT, DPT, is a medical writer and a physical therapist at Holy Name Medical Center in New Jersey. Day 6 on bactrim antibiotics for cellulitis on my tush. Candida often surrounds staff infections, causing them to be hard to control. Conditions causing 'pseudocellulitis' include: Eczema/ dermatitis due to stasis, contact factors Fungal infection eg tinea corporis, tinea pedis Deep vein thrombosis Drug eruption Psoriasis Lipodermatosclerosis Thrombophlebitis Answer From Lawrence E. Gibson, M.D. Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 04/18/2022. Cleaning your wounds or sores with antibacterial soap and water. Before antibiotic treatment, cellulitis typically causes redness, pain, swelling, and heat. This is especially important after coughing or sneezingand before preparing foods or eating. Complications from cellulitis are uncommon but can include serious infections: Cellulitis can cause thrombophlebitis (swelling in a vein due to a blood clot). 2023 Dotdash Media, Inc. All rights reserved, Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Peeling skin is unintended damage to and loss of the upper layer of your skin (epidermis). Cranendonk DR, Lavrijsen APM, Prins JM, Wiersinga WJ. The serious infection leads to hypotension (low blood pressure, collapse), reduced capillary circulation, heart failure, diarrhoea, gastrointestinal bleeding, renal failure and loss of consciousness. Regularly showering and thoroughly drying your skin after. The lesions are characterized by recurrent, painful, swollen and bleeding bruises in any part of the body. Drink plenty of water to keep your skin well hydrated. Care for the wound by covering the skin and changing dressings as a healthcare professional advises. However, it can be fatal without treatment. Necrotizing cellulitis starts as an extremely painful, red swelling that soon turns purple and then black as the skin and flesh die. Most likely, you'll receive intravenous (IV) antibiotics, which circulate throughout your bloodstream and are more powerful than oral antibiotics for treating an infection. Has anyone on here ever had cellulitis and then when it started clearing up your skin peeled? If cellulitis is left untreated, the infection can spread to the bloodstream and to the lymph nodes. Why Do Cross Country Runners Have Skinny Legs? iGAS infections include necrotizing fasciitis and streptococcal toxic shock syndrome. Picking at peeling skin can lead to infection. It may feel slightly warm to the touch. Cellulitis treatment usually includes oral antibiotics used to kill the bacteria causing the skin infection. In: Kelly A, Taylor SC, Lim HW, et al., eds. If you have any abscesses in your skin, they may need to be surgically drained. Stevens, DL, Bryant AE. You can maintain good skin hygiene by: Washing your hands regularly with soap and warm water. You might need a different treatment. How to Tell the Difference, Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI, lines that run outward from the main rash area, a rash thats growing and changing rapidly, a very large rash thats inflamed and painful, numbness, tingling, or any other changes in sensation in the affected area, notice any symptoms of cellulitis and you also have diabetes, have fever along with a painful rash that continues to grow and spread, notice changes to how your skin looks or feels, feel feverish, achy, fatigued, or lightheaded, and also have a painful rash. Cellulitis is often diagnosed when another inflammatory skin disease is actually responsible for redness and swelling. Clin Med (Lond). Take time to rest and allow the body to heal to prevent complications. Erratum in: Clin Infect Dis. Thanks for everyones advice and I will be following up on this. Your symptoms dont go away a few days after starting antibiotics. Cleaning and trimming your fingernails and toenails. (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022202X18320426), (https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/skin-disorders/psoriasis-and-scaling-disorders/psoriasis), (https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/peeling-skin-syndrome/), Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), Anti-aging treatments like retinol creams and. Therefore, signs that the condition is healing may include the following: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advise that when someone has cellulitis, the affected area of skin may look pitted like an orange peel or develop blisters. This is a normal process and is not Not necessary to do so, with moisturizers, the dead skin will come off by itself. These include: Its always important to see a doctor for cellulitis. People can get cellulitis more than once. After the initial discharge of a bit of pus and blood, your wound should be clear. I've been on Keflex but dr had me stop unless it gets hot or redder and doesn't improve lower legwas really swollen.