Cellulitis: Causes, Treatments, and What You Need to Know

When your skin gets red, swollen, warm, and painful, it might be cellulitis, a bacterial infection that spreads through the deeper layers of the skin. Also known as bacterial skin infection, it doesn’t start as a cut or scrape you can see—it creeps in silently, often after a tiny break in the skin you didn’t even notice.

Cellulitis is usually caused by Streptococcus or Staphylococcus bacteria, which get into your skin through cuts, insect bites, or even dry, cracked skin. People with diabetes, weak immune systems, or swelling in their legs are at higher risk. Left untreated, it can spread to the blood or lymph nodes and become life-threatening. That’s why it’s not something you wait out. Antibiotics are the standard fix, and minocycline, a tetracycline antibiotic known for its broad coverage and anti-inflammatory effects, is sometimes used when other drugs aren’t suitable or when the infection is stubborn.

Cellulitis doesn’t always show up the same way. Some people get a fast-spreading red patch, others have fever and chills. It can hit anywhere, but legs and arms are most common. You might think it’s just a rash or bug bite, but if it’s growing, hot to the touch, or hurting more each hour, you need help fast. Home remedies won’t cut it—this isn’t a DIY fix. Doctors rely on physical exams and sometimes blood tests to confirm it, then pick the right antibiotic based on your health, allergies, and how bad it is.

What you’ll find here aren’t just general guides. These are real, practical posts from people who’ve dealt with cellulitis, their doctors, or pharmacists who’ve seen what works and what doesn’t. You’ll see how minocycline fights infection at the cellular level, why some antibiotics fail, and what to do if your symptoms don’t improve. There’s also info on how to prevent it from coming back, especially if you have chronic swelling or skin conditions. No fluff. No guesswork. Just clear, honest answers to the questions you’re actually asking.