How to Diagnose Cellulitis

Cellulitis is an infection of the skin caused by different forms of bacteria. It can develop anywhere the skin has been broken and spreads to the underlying tissues. Severe cases can spread within days or even hours. The following steps will assist in diagnosing a case of cellulitis.

Instructions

• 1

  Check for pain, redness, swelling and tenderness at the infection site. Fevers and shaking chills can indicate the infection has spread. Cellulitis commonly occurs around the anus and face in children. Facial infections require immediate medical attention. Many cases of cellulitis do not cause skin damage or other obvious injury.

• 2

  Have cellulitis diagnosed by a doctor by looking at the symptoms. Tell your doctor about recent injuries you may have received or if the area of infection has been previously injured. Cellulitis also can be contracted from animals, fish tanks or ponds. Further testing is usually not required.

• 3

  Perform additional tests for unusual cases of cellulitis. An ultrasound may be done to check for blood clots in a deep vein. A CT scan or MRI may be used to eliminate other possibilities. X-rays may be used to determine if the skin infection has spread to the bone.

• 4

  Identify the specific bacteria if treatments with antibiotics are not effective. A sample also may be taken if the wound is draining fluid. It may be necessary to select a more specific antibiotic in this case.

• 5

  Complete other tests only if bacteremia, sepsis or some other underlying disease is suspected.