Foot Infections to Watch During Rainy and Summer Seasons: 52% of Women Experiencing Swelling Are Unaware of "Cellulitis"

Ginza Repro Surgery (Medical Corporation Micro Kai), a medical institution specializing in varicocele treatment and lymphedema therapy (lymphaticovenular anastomosis, LVA), located in Chuo City, Tokyo (Clinic Director: Dr. Koichi Nagao), conducted a survey on foot-related issues and awareness of cellulitis during the rainy and summer seasons.

The survey targeted 120 women who currently or previously experienced foot swelling or edema and have an interest in cellulitis, lymphedema, or foot-related conditions. It was conducted from May 27 to May 31, 2026.

Half of women experiencing foot swelling are unaware of "cellulitis" (survey by Ginza Repro Surgery)

The results revealed that 52% (62 people) of those who experienced swelling were unaware of cellulitis, and 58% (26 people)—nearly 60% of those who experienced redness, warmth, or pain—did not consult or visit a medical institution.

Even among those who experienced swelling, 52% were unaware of "cellulitis"

When asked whether they knew the medical term "cellulitis (houkashikien)," 30% (36 people) answered "no," and 22% (26 people) said they had "heard it for the first time." Combined, these responses indicate that 52% (62 people) of women with swelling experience were unaware of cellulitis, showing that more than half of this group do not recognize the condition.

Cellulitis is a bacterial infection affecting the skin and subcutaneous tissues, often causing redness, swelling, warmth, and pain in the legs. During the rainy and summer seasons, when sweating, moisture buildup, insect bites, minor wounds, and athlete's foot are more common, extra attention should be paid to foot skin issues.

64% experience swelling several days per week

60% of those with swelling experience it several days per week or more (survey by Ginza Repro Surgery)

When asked, "Do you currently experience swelling or edema?" 40% (48 people) answered "every day (chronic)," and 24% (29 people) said "a few days per week." Combined, 64% (77 people) reported experiencing swelling several days per week or more.

About 60% report swelling occurs most often after prolonged standing (survey by Ginza Repro Surgery)

When asked, "In what situations do you tend to experience swelling?" the most common response was "after prolonged standing," at 56% (67 people). This was followed by "in the evening or at night" at 52% (62 people) and "after prolonged sitting" at 33% (40 people).

Top concern with swelling is appearance

The top concern related to swelling is appearance, with half reporting their legs look thicker (survey by Ginza Repro Surgery)

When asked, "What troubles you about swelling?" the most common response was "legs look thicker or appearance is concerning," at 55.0% (66 people). "Difficulty fitting into pumps or pants" was reported by 26.7% (32 people). Other responses included "shoes feel tight or feet hurt" (49.2%, 59 people), "strong fatigue or heaviness during work" (40.0%, 48 people), and "walking becomes difficult after evening" (39.2%, 47 people). The results show that swelling not only causes physical discomfort but also affects clothing choices and appearance-related concerns.

Swelling management mainly relies on self-care; only 8% consult medical institutions

Most rely on self-care for swelling; less than 10% consult medical institutions (survey by Ginza Repro Surgery)

When asked, "What are you currently doing to manage swelling?" the most common response was "bathing or warming the body," at 40% (48 people), followed by "massage" at 37% (45 people), and "elevating legs while sleeping" at 32% (38 people).

In contrast, only 8% (10 people) reported consulting a medical institution.

The findings indicate that while most people experiencing swelling first attempt daily self-care, they are unlikely to seek medical consultation.

74% recognize personal swelling as a potential cellulitis risk

After receiving information on cellulitis, 70% of the 120 respondents felt their symptoms might pose a risk (survey by Ginza Repro Surgery)

After receiving an explanation about cellulitis, when asked, "Did you feel your own swelling could be a 'cellulitis risk'?" 23% (28 people) responded, "I realized my swelling is a risk," and 51% (61 people) said, "I became somewhat concerned." In total, 74% (89 people) reported increased awareness of risk after the explanation, indicating that many begin to view the connection between swelling and cellulitis as personally relevant.

37% have experienced redness, warmth, or pain

In fact, about 40% reported experiencing symptoms of redness, warmth, or pain (survey by Ginza Repro Surgery)

When asked, "Have you ever experienced redness, warmth, or pain in your swollen foot?" 37% (45 people) answered "yes."

Redness, warmth, and pain are symptoms also associated with cellulitis. When such changes occur in a swollen foot, it is important not to assume it is merely fatigue or temporary swelling but to consult a medical professional.

58% did not seek medical care despite experiencing redness, warmth, or pain

Even with symptoms of redness, warmth, or pain, over 60% did not visit a medical institution (survey by Ginza Repro Surgery)

Among the 45 people who experienced redness, warmth, or pain, when asked, "Did you consult or visit a medical institution at that time?" 58% (26 people) answered "no," while 42% (19 people) said "yes," indicating that more than half did not seek medical care.

Top reason for not seeking care: "Did not know where to find a swelling specialist" (survey by Ginza Repro Surgery)

Further questioning of the 26 individuals who did not consult or visit a medical institution revealed that 46% (12 people) cited "not knowing where to find a medical institution specializing in swelling" as the primary reason. This was followed by "concern about cost" at 42% (11 people) and "believe swelling is not serious enough for medical treatment" at 38% (10 people).

Even with symptoms, not knowing where to seek help or uncertainty about the necessity of medical consultation may prevent individuals from accessing care.

Chronic swelling may require medical evaluation

Swelling can temporarily occur due to prolonged standing, sitting, or fatigue. However, repeated swelling, swelling in only one leg, hardened skin, or swelling accompanied by redness and warmth may require medical evaluation.

In particular, individuals who have undergone lymph node removal due to treatments for breast or uterine cancer should be vigilant about lymphedema and cellulitis. Lymphedema can develop not only immediately after surgery but also years later, requiring long-term monitoring of swelling in the arm or leg on the operated side.

Additionally, skin affected by lymphedema is more prone to injury, and wounds can lead to infections or cellulitis.

Comment from Dr. Koichi Nagao, Director of Ginza Repro Surgery

Dr. Koichi Nagao, Director, Ginza Repro Surgery

Foot swelling is often overlooked as a common discomfort. However, when swelling is accompanied by redness, warmth, or pain, it may indicate an infection such as cellulitis.

Individuals with lymphedema or those who have had lymph nodes removed due to breast or uterine cancer are at higher risk of recurrent cellulitis and should be cautious about severe complications. During the rainy and summer seasons, when sweating, moisture, insect bites, minor wounds, and athlete's foot are more common, skin problems are more likely to occur.

One major concern from this survey is that many respondents did not know where to find a medical institution specializing in swelling. Without knowing where to turn, people may delay seeking care even when symptoms are present.

If redness spreads, the skin feels warm, pain is severe, or fever develops, do not rely on self-diagnosis. Seek prompt consultation at a dermatology, internal medicine, or lymphedema clinic.

At Ginza Repro Surgery, we believe it is part of our social responsibility to provide accurate information about swelling, lymphedema, and cellulitis. We aim to ensure that swelling is not dismissed as "just common," and that those in need can access appropriate medical care.

Survey Overview

Survey Name: Cellulitis and Foot Issues Awareness Survey

Target Group: Women who currently or previously experienced foot swelling or edema and are interested in cellulitis, lymphedema, or foot-related conditions

Number of Respondents: 120

Method: Online survey

Survey Period: May 27–31, 2026

Survey Tool: Self-administered questionnaire tool "QiQUMO" by Cross Marketing Co., Ltd.

*Note: This survey targeted women with experience of foot swelling/edema and interest in cellulitis, lymphedema, or foot issues, not the general female population.

About Ginza Repro Surgery

Entrance of Ginza Repro Surgery

Ginza Repro Surgery is a urology and plastic surgery clinic in Ginza, Tokyo, specializing in male infertility and lymphedema treatment. In male infertility, the clinic provides diagnosis and outpatient surgery for varicocele.

In lymphedema care, the clinic operates a dedicated lymphedema outpatient service, offering consultations and assessments for arm and leg swelling, fitting and trial sessions for medical compression stockings, and public awareness initiatives on cellulitis. For lymphaticovenular anastomosis (LVA), the clinic has brought in specialists with university hospital experience and offers treatments covered by health insurance.

Ginza Repro Surgery was the first in Japan to introduce the ultrasound imaging system "Sonosite LX" for patients with lymphedema

The clinic has introduced the Fujifilm ultrasound imaging system "Sonosite LX." Using high-frequency probes for high-resolution imaging, the clinic aims to help patients with lymphedema better understand their condition and connect with appropriate medical care.

Name: Medical Corporation Micro Kai, Ginza Repro Surgery

Address: 6F, FPG Links GINZA, 2-8-19 Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo

URL: https://ginzarepro.jp/women/

YouTube:

・Keiko Mitsui, Lymphedema Advisor / Ginza Repro Surgery: https://www.youtube.com/@ginzarepro_woman ・Keiko's Honest Body Care Lab: https://www.youtube.com/@karada-care ・Dr. Nagao's Male Infertility Solution Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@varicocele.nagaomethod