Your doctor or nurse might refer you to the hospital to get further tests to make sure you get the correct diagnosis and treatment. Cellulitis can be confused with haemosiderin staining but this is redness without a temperature and should not be tender to the touch another clue is that haemosiderin staining will not reduce or resolve with antibiotics. Cellulitis infections can look similar to blood clots (deep vein thrombosis or DVT) because of increased redness and swelling in one leg. Most cellulitis infections are diagnosed by examining the leg or foot, but the doctor or nurse may also take your temperature or carry out some blood tests to confirm diagnosis. They will also look for any wounds or other skin damage that might have caused the infection. They might also mark the area on your leg so it’s easier to see if your infection is getting better once you start treatment. The doctor or nurse will look at the affected area and make a note of the colour, swelling and temperature. If the symptoms begin over a weekend, contact your out-of-hours GP service or NHS 111 or attend your local A&E. Ask for a same-day appointment with your GP. If you think you might have cellulitis it is important to get help straight away, especially if this is the first time you have had this problem. For more information download the BLS Red Legs Pathway notes (PDF).ĭiagnosis – getting diagnosed with cellulitis It may be another condition commonly called red legs syndrome. The area typically looks red, but this may be less obvious on brown or black skin. Cellulitis makes your skin painful, hot and swollen. It is very unusual for cellulitis to affect both legs at the same time so if there is redness, pain and swelling in both legs, it is unlikely to be cellulitis. If it is suspected the GP practice should be contacted promptly to get the correct diagnosis and start treatment as soon as possible. But often there isn’t always a visible trigger or cause of the infection. Sometimes infections are caused by damage to the skin such as a burn, cut, insect bite or even athlete’s foot. These symptoms can happen any time our lower legs and feet are swollen. Feeling generally unwell and ‘fluey’ is a common symptom, sometimes starting a few days before other symptoms.Increased temperature in the area – the skin will feel ‘hot’ or like it’s burning.The signs of cellulitis vary but things to look out for include: Symptoms – what are the symptoms of cellulitis?
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