Lower leg cellulitis: a guide to diagnosis and management

When a nurse encounters an individual with suspected lower leg cellulitis it is important to use a systematic approach to ensure an accurate diagnosis; appropriate escalation when clinically indicated; and appropriate treatment. The person may be sick and septic and require urgent hospital treatment. 

NICE¹ describes cellulitis as: ‘An acute bacterial infection of the dermis and subcutaneous tissue. The infected area is characterized by pain, warmth, swelling, and erythema. Blisters and bullae may form. Fever, malaise, nausea, and rigors may accompany or precede the skin changes.

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Cellulitis most commonly affects the lower limbs, but other areas, such as the upper limbs, face, ears, and trunk, can also be affected.’