BBC Morning Live's Dr Ranj says 'call 999' if you have unusual leg symptom that can be 'life-threatening'

A BBC Morning Live doctor has warned viewers about an unusual symptom that could appear on their legs and potentially become 'life threatening' if not treated promptly.

Cellulitis, which is unrelated to cellulite, is a skin infection that requires antibiotic treatment and can become serious if not addressed quickly, according to the NHS, reports the Mirror.

Dr Ranj, a regular contributor to the show, explained that "it makes the skin painful, hot, and inflamed. It can look completely different on different types of skin. It can look red but on darker, black and brown skin, it may look slightly discoloured. You can also get blisters as well."

What are the symptoms?

Dr Ranj explained that that cellulitis "can give you associated symptoms so you might feel flu-like, you can have swollen and painful glands, and occasionally it can become life-threatening if it's spreading and getting worse, but fortunately most people will recover."

Where does cellulitis grow?

While cellulitis is often found on the legs, it can affect any part of the body. "For instance you might get cellulitis on your hands that can cause your fingers or your hand to swell up. You can also get it on your feet sometimes near your toes - it can even happen in and around the eye."

Dr Ranj cautioned that while "cellulitis can affect your legs, it tends to be one leg at a time. It tends not to be both. If it is both then you sometimes need to check if anything else is going on."

Can you get it in your eye?

"Yes - if cellulitis occurs in the eye, it's a medical emergency that requires immediate attention as it can be dangerous for your vision. One of the things we look out for is that you may get redness on the whites of your eyes," he said. Another symptom is if the "eyeball sticks out".

If it happens around the eye, it's a "bit more common and less serious", according to the doctor. You might be able to manage it at home, but you still need a professional to examine it to ensure it hasn't spread.

What causes cellulitis?

Dr Ranj explains that 'most commonly it's caused by a bacterial infection' with the bacteria finding its way into the 'deep layers of the skin', usually through a cut, insect bite or if your skin is cracked from an infection or dry from a condition like eczema. As a result, the 'barrier breaks down and it can get in', leading to cellulitis.

If you're prone to these issues, you are at a higher risk, and the doctor emphasises that you may not even be aware of a cut in your skin. Thankfully, cellulitis is not contagious.

Who is at risk of cellulitis?

You're more at risk of cellulitis if you:

• have poor circulation in your arms, legs, hands or feet, for example, because you're overweight
• find it difficult to move around
• have a weakened immune system, for example, because of chemotherapy treatment or diabetes
• have lymphoedema, which causes fluid build-up under the skin
• inject drugs
• have a wound from surgery
• have had cellulitis before

When to call 999

If you think you have it, you need to get treated straight away the GP warns. “If cellulitis is not treated properly then it can get worse and sometimes get serious.”

If you cannot get a GP appointment, the doctor warns “these the reasons that I want you to call 999” if you have these with cellulitis:

• A very high temperature
• you feel hot and shivery
• Feeling dizzy or faint
• A fast heartbeat or fast breathing
• Cold climate or pale skin
• Unresponsiveness or loss of consciousness
• confusing or disorientation
• Purple patches on your skin

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