Cellulitis: Recognition, Treatment & UK Online Doctor
Educational information — not medical advice.
This article was prepared by the OnlineDoctor24 editorial team and reviewed for factual accuracy against UK clinical guidance (NHS and NICE). It is not written by a doctor and does not replace personal medical advice. For symptoms specific to you, book an online doctor consultation.
Key points
- Cellulitis is a bacterial skin infection — red, hot, swollen, painful skin.
- Most often affects the lower leg.
- Needs prompt antibiotics; severe cases need IV treatment in hospital.
- An online GP can prescribe oral antibiotics for mild-to-moderate cases.
- Get urgent care for spreading redness, fever, blisters or feeling unwell.
Symptoms
- Red, hot, swollen, painful area of skin
- Often spreads quickly
- Fever, chills
- Tender lymph glands
- Sometimes blisters
Treatment
- Oral flucloxacillin (or clarithromycin if penicillin-allergic) for 5–7 days.
- Pain relief with paracetamol/ibuprofen.
- Mark the edge of the redness with a pen — if it spreads beyond the line, seek urgent care.
- Severe cellulitis (high fever, large area, immunosuppressed) needs IV antibiotics in hospital.
When an online doctor can help
For early, localised cellulitis without systemic symptoms, an online GP can assess on video and prescribe oral antibiotics. Severe or spreading infection needs in-person review or A&E.
Red flags — when to seek urgent help
Call 999 or go to A&E if you experience any of the following:
- Rapidly spreading redness
- Severe pain out of proportion to skin appearance (possible necrotising fasciitis — emergency)
- High fever, confusion, vomiting
- Blisters or skin breakdown
- Diabetes or immunosuppression with cellulitis
Frequently asked questions
Common questions UK patients ask about cellulitis.
How an online doctor can help
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This article is for general information only and does not replace personal medical advice from a qualified doctor. Content is reviewed against UK NHS and NICE guidance by the OnlineDoctor24 editorial team and is not authored by a medical doctor. If your symptoms worsen or you are unsure, please book a consultation with a GMC-registered GP.
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