Cellulitis is a common bacterial skin infection that can become serious if left untreated. If you notice an area of skin that is red, swollen, warm to the touch, and expanding, you should seek medical treatment promptly. CityHealth Urgent Care in San Leandro can diagnose cellulitis, prescribe appropriate antibiotics, and monitor your recovery.
What Is Cellulitis?
Cellulitis is a bacterial infection of the deeper layers of skin and the tissue beneath it. It occurs when bacteria — most commonly Staphylococcus or Streptococcus — enter through a break in the skin such as a cut, scrape, insect bite, or surgical wound. Without treatment, cellulitis can spread to the bloodstream and become life-threatening.
Cellulitis Symptoms
- Red, expanding area of skin — the hallmark sign. The redness often spreads over hours to days.
- Swelling — the affected area feels puffy and tight
- Warmth — the infected skin feels hot to the touch
- Pain or tenderness — ranging from mild to severe
- Fever — indicates the infection may be spreading
- Red streaking — red lines extending from the infected area toward nearby lymph nodes
- Skin dimpling — similar to orange peel texture
Pro tip: Use a pen to draw a line around the edge of the redness. If the redness extends beyond the line within a few hours, seek medical care immediately — the infection is spreading.
When to Go to Urgent Care vs the ER for Cellulitis
| Urgent Care | Emergency Room |
|---|---|
| Small area of redness (smaller than your palm) | Large or rapidly expanding area |
| No fever | High fever (102°F+) with chills |
| Cellulitis on arm, leg, or trunk | Cellulitis on face, near eyes, or near groin |
| Healthy immune system | Diabetes, HIV, chemotherapy, or other immunosuppression |
| No red streaking | Red streaks extending from infection |
Cellulitis Treatment at Urgent Care
At CityHealth, our providers will:
- Examine the infection — assess size, severity, and whether it shows signs of abscess
- Check for systemic infection — vital signs, temperature, and assessment for spreading
- Prescribe oral antibiotics — typically cephalexin or clindamycin for 7-14 days
- Drain abscess if present — incision and drainage (I&D) can be performed at urgent care if needed
- Provide wound care instructions — elevation, warm compresses, and signs to watch for
- Schedule follow-up — re-check in 48-72 hours if improvement is not seen
Common Causes of Cellulitis
- Cuts and scrapes — even small ones can allow bacteria to enter
- Infected wounds — cuts that were not properly cleaned
- Insect bites — especially if scratched open
- Athlete’s foot — cracked skin between toes is a common entry point
- Eczema or psoriasis — damaged skin barrier increases risk
- Surgery sites — post-operative wound infections
- Animal bites — dog and cat bites are high-risk for cellulitis
Frequently Asked Questions
Can urgent care treat cellulitis?
Yes. Urgent care can diagnose cellulitis, prescribe oral antibiotics, and drain abscesses if needed.
How long does cellulitis take to heal?
With antibiotics, improvement typically begins within 48-72 hours. Full healing takes 7-14 days.
Is cellulitis contagious?
Cellulitis itself is not contagious. However, the bacteria that cause it can be transmitted through contact with an open wound.
Get Cellulitis Treatment at CityHealth San Leandro
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See our complete guide: what can urgent care treat.
