Last Updated on February 18, 2025 by tanya

Complications of Cellulitis 

 

Claiming For An Untreated Infection 

 

If not diagnosed properly, complications of cellulitis can set in rapidly and cause grave concern. Cellulitis is a common bacterial infection, caused primarily by Streptococcus and Staphylococcus bacteria, which includes methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). If cellulitis is left untreated or not properly treated, it can lead to a potentially serious infection.

If medical negligence occurs, a patient may have grounds to seek compensation by making a clinical negligence claim. First Personal Injury may be able to assist if this has happened to you.

 

Complications of Cellulitis

Here are some of the common conditions linked to cellulitis complications:

Abscess Formation – If cellulitis is not treated adequately, it can lead to the formation of pus-filled abscesses. These abscesses may require drainage and antibiotic therapy.

Necrotising Fasciitis – In rare cases, cellulitis can progress to necrotising fasciitis, a life-threatening condition where bacteria rapidly destroy skin, fat, and muscle tissue. This often requires emergency surgery and intensive care.

Sepsis – Bacteria from the infected area can enter the bloodstream, leading to sepsis—a severe systemic response that can cause organ failure and death if not treated promptly.

Lymphangitis – The infection can spread to the lymphatic system, leading to inflammation of the lymphatic vessels (lymphangitis). This may cause swelling, redness, and fever.

Osteomyelitis – If bacteria reach the bones, it can lead to osteomyelitis, a serious bone infection requiring long-term antibiotic therapy or surgery.

Chronic Swelling and Lymphedema– Recurrent cellulitis can damage the lymphatic drainage system, leading to persistent swelling (lymphedema), which increases the risk of future infections.

 

Conditions That May Be Mistaken for Cellulitis

Several medical conditions can mimic the symptoms of cellulitis, leading to misdiagnosis. Some of these include:

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) – DVT can cause redness, swelling, and warmth in the affected limb, similar to cellulitis. However, DVT is caused by a blood clot rather than an infection and requires anticoagulant treatment rather than antibiotics.

Venous Stasis Dermatitis – This condition occurs in individuals with chronic venous insufficiency, leading to redness, swelling, and skin changes that resemble cellulitis. Unlike cellulitis, venous stasis dermatitis is not caused by bacteria and is treated with compression therapy and skin care.

Gout – Gout causes sudden and intense joint inflammation, which can be mistaken for cellulitis when affecting areas like the foot or ankle. It is caused by uric acid crystal deposits rather than infection and is treated with anti-inflammatory medications.

Contact Dermatitis – An allergic reaction to irritants such as chemicals or plants can cause skin redness, swelling, and itching, mimicking cellulitis. However, it does not involve bacterial infection and is treated with antihistamines or corticosteroids.

Autoimmune Disorders – Autoimmune conditions, such as lupus or vasculitis, can cause skin redness, swelling, and ulcerations, leading to confusion with cellulitis. Proper diagnosis often requires blood tests and a detailed medical history.

 

How Cellulitis Spreads

Cellulitis spreads through breaks in the skin that allow bacteria to enter and multiply. This happens through a skin injury, such as a wound, insect bite or surgical incision. Bacteria can also enter the body when conditions such as eczema, ulcers or athlete’s foot are present. Those with weakened immune systems are also more vulnerable to bacterial infections.

 

Making a Medical Negligence Claim 

When cellulitis is not diagnosed, misdiagnosed, or improperly treated, it can lead to serious complications. If medical negligence is suspected, you may want to find out more about a medical negligence claim. You will need to gather evidence, such as medical reports, prescriptions, test results and expert opinions.

At First Personal Injury we are committed to supporting you and your family throughout the claims process with care and compassion. We work with lawyers who operate on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis, ensuring that you won’t experience any financial stress when making your claim.

Contact First Personal Injury today at 0333 358 2345. Alternatively, you can complete our online contact form to schedule an initial, no-obligation consultation with a member of our expert team.