October 2026

A Clinician’s Guide to Cellulitis

Explore cellulitis risk factors, clinical findings, assessment priorities, and management considerations, along with practical guidance for patient education and prevention.

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This month, we are focusing on cellulitis, a bacterial infection of the skin and underlying tissue. This edition reviews how to recognize common findings, identify red flags, guide assessment, and support treatment and recovery.

WHY IT MATTERS

Cellulitis can progress to serious complications. Early recognition and timely treatment are essential, especially for patients with diabetes, chronic swelling, or weakened immunity. Clear follow-up instructions and prevention education help patients recognize worsening symptoms and reduce the risk of recurrence.

Our three-page clinician guide includes assessment checklists, management considerations, and patient education points to support your team’s clinical practice.

References

Stevens DL, Bisno AL, Chambers HF, et al. Practice guidelines for the diagnosis and management of skin and soft tissue infections: 2014 update by the Infectious Diseases Society of America. Clin Infect Dis. 2014;59(2). doi:10.1093/cid/ciu296.
Chambliss ML, Rumball A, Brown CM. Skin and soft tissue infections. Am Fam Physician. 2026;113(5):440-448. https://www.aafp.org/afp/2026/0500/skin-soft-tissue-infections
Bonham PA, Droste LR, González A, Kelechi TJ, Ratliff CR. 2024 guideline for management of wounds in patients with lower extremity arterial disease: an executive summary. J Wound Ostomy Continence Nurs. 2024;51(5):357-370. doi:10.1097/WON.0000000000001111.
Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society (WOCN). Compression for Lower Extremity Venous Disease and Lymphedema Algorithm. Available at: https://vlu.wocn.org/