Cellulitis typically looks like an area of skin that is red, swollen, hot, and painful or tender to the touch. The affected skin may also appear inflamed and may blister or peel. Initially, the skin might look slightly discolored and warm, but as the infection spreads, the redness or discoloration usually becomes more pronounced and the swelling increases. On lighter skin, the area is often pink or red, while on darker skin, the redness may be harder to see or appear purple or dark brown. Sometimes, red streaks can radiate outward from the infected area. The skin may also feel hot or burning. The infection commonly affects the lower legs but can also occur on the arms, face, or other parts of the body. Additional symptoms can include flu-like signs such as fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes, and fatigue
. In summary, cellulitis looks like:
- Red, swollen, and inflamed skin
- Warm or hot to the touch
- Painful or tender area
- Possible blistering or peeling
- Sometimes red streaks extending from the area
- May be accompanied by fever and swollen glands
If you suspect cellulitis, it is important to seek medical attention promptly as the infection can spread and become serious
