Recurrence of Cellulitis

29% of patients who have been admitted to hospital with cellulitis develop a recurrence within three years (Jorup-Ronstrom & Britton, 1987). This may lead to lymphangitis which in turn may lead to lymphoedema. Therefore, patients need to be educated about the risk factors.

Patients with venous disease and ulceration may need to be referred for compression hosiery once acute phase has passed (Eagle, 2007).

Further reading: National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (2019), Management of acute cellulitis.

NICE: Cellulitis – acute. Reviewed Dec 2019 - Cellulitis-acute