Pictures and Stages of Cellulitis Skin Infections on the Legs

Understanding Cellulitis of the Leg

Cellulitis is a common bacterial skin infection that affects the deeper layers of the skin and subcutaneous tissues. It often occurs on the legs, causing redness, warmth, swelling, and pain in the affected area.

What Does Cellulitis Look Like on the Legs?

When cellulitis develops on the legs, there are some characteristic signs and symptoms to look out for. These include:

• A red, swollen rash or patch on the skin that keeps expanding
• The affected skin may appear shiny or tight
• There is tenderness and pain in the area that worsens over time
• The skin feels warm or hot to the touch
• Blisters or small openings in the skin that ooze fluid

Mild, Moderate, and Severe Cases of Leg Cellulitis

Cellulitis on the legs can range in severity from mild to life-threatening. Mild cases may involve a small, red, warm patch that is not too painful. Moderate cases involve a larger rash that is more painful, warm, and swollen. Severe cases involve extensive, painful redness and swelling that can affect deeper tissues and even enter the bloodstream.

What Are the Stages of Cellulitis on the Legs?

Cellulitis typically progresses in several key stages on the legs:

1. Early cellulitis: The skin redness is small, flat, and painful. The center may be darker pink, with mild swelling.
2. Moderate cellulitis: The area of redness expands. Moderate swelling, increased pain, warmth, and tenderness occur.
3. Severe cellulitis: Widespread dark redness and substantial swelling happen. Blisters, skin dimpling, fever, chills, and fatigue set in.

What Causes Cellulitis on the Legs?

Cellulitis on the legs and elsewhere on the body is caused by a bacterial infection. The bacteria enter through cracks or breaks in the skin. Common causes of breaks that allow cellulitis to occur include:

• Insect bites
• Minor cuts and scrapes
• Burns or other skin injuries
• Recent surgery near the affected area
• Skin fungus infections like athlete’s foot
• Injections or IV catheter insertion sites

Bacterial Causes

The most common bacteria to cause cellulitis include:

• Streptococcus
• Staphylococcus aureus
• Other strains of staph
• Pneumococcus bacteria

Who Gets Cellulitis on the Legs?

Anyone can develop cellulitis, but some factors that increase your risk include:

• Older age
• Leg swelling or poor circulation
• Skin damage, wounds, or leg ulcers
• Obesity
• Weak immune system due to illness or medication
• History of cellulitis

Diagnosing Cellulitis on the Legs

Cellulitis is usually diagnosed based on the characteristic rash and other clinical signs during a physical exam by a doctor. In some cases, additional tests may help confirm the diagnosis or pinpoint the bacteria causing infection. These can include:

Blood Tests

A complete blood count (CBC) is often done to check for elevated white blood cells and signs of infection. Blood cultures may identify bacteria in the blood in severe cases.

Skin Cultures

Swabbing fluid from blisters and culturing the sample can identify the type of bacteria causing cellulitis.

Imaging Tests

Imaging like ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI of the infected leg may be done if deeper tissues are affected. This helps assess the severity and extent of infection.

Skin Biopsy

In rare instances, a small sample of skin and tissue may be examined under a microscope to rule out other conditions like skin cancer or vasculitis.

Treating Cases of Cellulitis on the Legs

Treatment for cellulitis involves:

Antibiotics

Oral or intravenous (IV) antibiotics are used to fight the bacteria causing infection. Common antibiotics used include penicillins, cephalosporins, clindamycin, sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim, vancomycin, and linezolid.

Relieving Symptoms

Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help reduce pain and fever. Keeping the legs elevated can relieve swelling.

Wound Care

Any skin wounds should be kept clean while healing. Topical antibiotic creams/ointments may also be prescribed.

Compression Stockings

Gradient compression stockings are often recommended for cellulitis in the legs to help reduce swelling and improve venous circulation.

Recovering from Cellulitis of the Legs

With prompt treatment, cellulitis generally improves within 5-10 days. However, full recovery can take a few weeks. To support healing:

• Take all antibiotics as directed, even if feeling better
• Watch for signs of recurrence like redness or swelling
• Avoid skin injuries and keep legs moisturized
• Exercise regularly to improve leg circulation
• Ask about vaccines for pneumonia or flu to prevent infection

See a doctor right away if symptoms worsen or return after treatment. Repeated bouts of cellulitis that are difficult to control may require long-term antibiotic therapy.

Preventing Cellulitis of the Legs

To help prevent future cellulitis skin infections:

• Closely monitor wounds, cuts, burns for signs of infection
• Treat athlete’s foot, fungal infections promptly
• Improve leg swelling, circulation problems if present
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Care for dry, cracked skin with moisturizers

Getting prompt treatment for cellulitis and taking preventive measures can help avoid recurrences of this painful skin infection that often strikes the legs and feet.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.