Some might come from dog or cat bites, others from farm animals, still others from simple scratches and scrapes. Cellulitis also can come from fungal infections, such as athlete's foot. An area of tenderness, swelling and redness appears under the skin-oftentimes where skin has been broken with a cut or scratch. Sometimes fever, sweating and swollen glands may accompany the spreading area of redness. Sometimes people with diabetes or immune problems get cellulitis without a break in the skin.
Doctors look at the affected area and sometimes ask for a blood test to check for infection.
If cellulitis is the answer, doctors give patients antibiotics, which help the body get rid of bacteria. In the case of a fungal infection, doctors can give patients anti-fungal medications. There are no good scientific studies showing beneficial herbal treatments, and no evidence any other methods may help. In fact, if an infection is the cause, not treating it with antibiotics could allow the infection to spread. If bacteria enter the bloodstream, they can cause a more serious and potentially life-threatening condition called sepsis.