Cellulitis Pictures: How to Identify and Recognize Symptoms in Photos and Images

What Does Cellulitis Look Like? 9 Key Characteristics in Photos and Images

Cellulitis is a common bacterial skin infection that causes red, swollen, and tender skin. But what does cellulitis look like exactly? Here are 9 key characteristics and symptoms to identify in cellulitis pictures and images so you can recognize this condition.

1. Location on the Lower Legs

One of the most common locations for cellulitis is on the lower legs. This is because injuries or cracks in the skin of the lower legs and feet can allow bacteria to enter and infect the deeper tissues.

Some key signs of cellulitis on the lower legs:

• Red, inflamed skin on shins or calves
• Swelling that sometimes causes "pitting" or indentations when pressure is applied
• Tenderness, pain, and warmth in the affected area

Cellulitis occurring on the lower legs is characterized by diffuse, spreading redness rather than just a small, localized infected area.

2. Bright Red Skin Discoloration

The redness caused by cellulitis is typically bright, vivid red in color. This happens as increased blood flow is sent to the infected area.

In some cases, the redness may start off pale pink but soon flushes into a deeper red rash as the infection progresses. The borders of the red rash are usually not very defined or raised.

3. Swelling of Skin

Skin swelling, or edema, often accompanies the redness of cellulitis. This happens as the tissues become inflamed and fluid accumulates.

Swelling is often most pronounced right around the infection site. However, with some cases of leg cellulitis, swelling can extend down into the ankle or foot. The swollen skin may pit or dent when pressed due to the buildup of fluid.

4. Hot to Touch

The skin affected by cellulitis often feels hot or warm to the touch. This is due to increased blood circulation to the area during the inflammatory response.

Feeling for warmth can help distinguish cellulitis from other causes of redness like allergic reactions, injury, or non-infected swelling that do not necessarily feel warm.

5. Tenderness and Pain

Pressing on an area of cellulitis usually causes significant tenderness, discomfort, or pain. This tends to get worse over time.

While many rashes like eczema can be itchy, the pain sensation distinguishes cellulitis. Pain can also help determine the severity of the infection.

6. Advancing Redness

Without antibiotic treatment, the redness and swelling of cellulitis tends to advance. It may start in just one area but then spread outward as inflammation expands in the deep tissues.

Advancing, expanding redness signals the infection is progressing rapidly and requires urgent medical attention.

7. Poorly Defined Borders

Unlike some other skin conditions like ringworm or impetigo, the borders of cellulitis rashes are typically diffuse, undefined, and irregular.

The redness fades gradually into the surrounding normal skin instead of forming a distinct raised border.

8. Blisters or Bleeding

In some severe cases, small blisters containing pus or blood may emerge within areas affected by cellulitis. This can signal an abscess is forming under the skin.

Any bleeding, blistering, or bruising around the swollen area warrants prompt medical evaluation for a deeper skin infection.

9. Accompanying Fever, Chills, Fatigue

Besides the visible skin redness and swelling, cellulitis can also cause:

• Fever, chills, and sweats as the body reacts to infection
• Malaise and feeling ill or extremely fatigued
• Muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, or other flu-like symptoms

While not visible in photos, these systemic symptoms are important signals of a spreading bacterial skin infection.

Risk Factors That Increase Chances of Cellulitis

Certain underlying factors can increase susceptibility to developing cellulitis in the first place. Being aware of these risk factors allows quick identification and treatment of cellulitis.

Leg Edema

Swelling or edema in the lower legs is a risk factor for cellulitis. Poor fluid drainage in the legs allows bacteria an entry point into the skin and tissues.

Leg swelling can occur due to:

• Congestive heart failure
• Kidney disease or cirrhosis
• Blood clots in the veins
• Lymphedema
• Medication side effects
• Pregnancy

For those with chronic leg edema, vigilance about any skin breaks or red marks is important to catch cellulitis early.

Diabetes

Having diabetes, especially uncontrolled blood sugar, makes one more prone to cellulitis. Reasons why include:

• Decreased immunity makes bacterial infections more likely.
• Poor circulation in extremities allows infection to take hold.
• High blood sugar inhibits white blood cells.
• Neuropathy causes decreased sensation and injuries to go unnoticed.

For diabetics, monitoring skin closely and seeking care if any redness or wounds develop is key to preventing complications like cellulitis.

Leg Injuries

Trauma or injury to the legs or feet greatly raises chances of contracting cellulitis. Even small cuts, blisters, or insect bites can allow bacteria to penetrate the deeper tissues and set off infection.

Those prone to leg injuries due to sports, outdoor activities, or impaired mobility should watch carefully for any resultant skin openings or irritated marks that could become a gateway for infection.

Prior History

Unfortunately, those who have had cellulitis previously are at higher risk of contracting it again. The affected area often remains prone to recurrent infections.

Being proactive with preventive skin care and prompt treatment of any wounds or early signs of infection is essential for those with a history of cellulitis.

Compromised Immune System

People with weakened immune systems due to diseases like HIV/AIDS, cancer treatment, steroids, or biologic drugs are also at increased risk for cellulitis.

A lowered white blood cell count makes it harder to fight off staphylococcus and streptococcus skin infections before they spiral into cellulitis.

Typical Treatment Options for Cellulitis

Seeing a healthcare provider promptly when cellulitis is suspected is crucial so that appropriate treatment can begin immediately. Here are some typical medical treatment approaches for this spreading skin infection:

Oral Antibiotic Medication

Prescription oral antibiotics, either penicillin-based or cephalosporins, are the standard first-line treatment for cellulitis without abscesses or other complications. Taking the full antibiotic course as directed is important to eradicate the infection.

Intravenous (IV) Antibiotics

For moderate or severe cases, IV antibiotic injections/infusions allow higher doses to rapidly reach the infection site. IV antibiotics may be given in the hospital or prescribed for home/outpatient use.

Surgical Drainage

If an abscess forms under the skin, surgical incision and drainage is typically required along with antibiotics. This allows deep-seated pus and bacteria to be removed from the site of infection.

Topical Antibiotic Creams

Once swelling is declining with antibiotic treatment, topical antibiotic creams/gels applied to the skin may help resolve any remaining inflammation and irritation.

Compression Stockings

Graduated compression stockings are often prescribed after leg cellulitis to help reduce residual edema and improve venous circulation to prevent recurrences.

Elevation

Keeping the affected extremity elevated above heart level as much as possible helps minimize swelling during active cellulitis infection and recovery.

Lifestyle Measures to Help Prevent Cellulitis

While some risk factors for cellulitis cannot be avoided, certain proactive measures can help reduce chances of contracting this painful skin infection.

Promptly Treat Any Skin Injuries

Quickly cleansing and bandaging any leg wounds, cuts, blisters or insect bites helps keep bacteria from invading the broken skin and causing infection.

Improve Leg Circulation

Exercise, compression stockings, losing weight, and reducing salt intake can all help improve leg swelling, venous flow, and lymphatic drainage to prevent fluid buildup where bacteria can thrive.

Manage Blood Sugar

For diabetics, consistently monitoring and controlling blood glucose levels through diet, medication, exercise and foot care helps lower cellulitis risk.

Skin Hygiene

Bathing regularly, wearing breathable fabrics, using moisturizer, and keeping skin healthy and intact avoids cracks and irritation where bacteria can take hold.

Be Observant

Check legs and feet daily for any cuts, red marks, swollen areas, or skin changes and get prompt medical attention for suspected infections before they worsen.

When to See a Doctor

Consulting a doctor right away is recommended if signs and symptoms of cellulitis develop. Waiting allows the infection to rapidly advance. Seek emergency care if:

• Skin redness and swelling is expanding quickly
• You have a fever over 101 F, chills, or vomiting
• Red streaks are extending from the infected site
• You experience confusion, rapid heart rate, or difficulty breathing
• You have a compromised immune system

Catching cellulitis early greatly improves outcomes and avoids dangerous complications. Being familiar with the characteristics in photos and images helps identify cellulitis so prompt treatment can begin.

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.