Using Coconut Oil to Help Treat and Prevent Cellulitis

Using Coconut Oil to Help Treat and Prevent Cellulitis

Cellulitis is a common bacterial skin infection that causes red, swollen, and tender skin. The condition can develop anywhere on the body but is most often seen on the lower legs. While antibiotics are the primary medical treatment, natural remedies like coconut oil may also help fight cellulitis.

Coconut oil contains lauric acid and caprylic acid, two fatty acids with antimicrobial effects that may prevent the growth of bacteria. Research shows coconut oil can improve skin barrier function and reduce inflammation as well.

Using coconut oil may help treat cellulitis rashes and prevent future recurrences. Let’s explore the causes of cellulitis, how coconut oil may help, and the best ways to use it for cellulitis prone skin.

What is Cellulitis?

Cellulitis is a common bacterial infection of the deeper layers of the skin and the underlying tissues. The most common cause is the streptococcus bacteria, but other types like staphylococcus or haemophilus can also lead to infection.

Cellulitis makes the skin appear swollen, tight, and reddened. It feels warm and tender to the touch. People often develop fevers, chills, and swollen lymph nodes when the infection is more severe.

While any area of the body can develop cellulitis, it most often appears on the lower legs. This is because minor cuts, blisters, or cracks in the skin allow the bacteria to enter. Poor circulation in the lower legs also increases susceptibility.

Risk Factors and Complications

Certain risk factors raise your chances of developing cellulitis:

• Skin trauma like cuts, blisters, or insect bites
• Edema or swelling in the lower legs
• Varicose veins or poor circulation
• Obesity
• Weakened immune system
• History of cellulitis
• Foot fungus like athlete’s foot
• Diabetes, cancer, or other conditions

While usually mild, cellulitis can become serious if the infection spreads deeper. Potential complications include:

• Abscesses under the skin
• Sepsis or blood infection
• Spreading to lymph nodes, muscles, or bloodstream
• Necrotizing fasciitis or “flesh eating” infection

See a doctor immediately if you have any signs the infection is worsening, such as high fever, dizziness, confusion, or severe pain.

Medical Treatments for Cellulitis

For moderate or severe cellulitis, doctors prescribe antibiotic medications, either oral or intravenous depending on severity. This clears the bacterial infection and prevents complications.

For mild cases, doctors sometimes recommend antibiotics combined with close monitoring for worsening. Elevating the infected leg, applying warm compresses, and gently massaging toward the heart may speed healing.

Good wound care is also key to prevent the broken skin from re-introducing bacteria. Keep the area clean and covered with sterile bandages.

If cellulitis keeps coming back, options like antibiotics for prevention, compression stockings, or surgery may be considered to address underlying issues like poor circulation.

Can Coconut Oil Help Treat Cellulitis?

Research suggests coconut oil may help treat and prevent cellulitis when used along with standard antibiotic therapy. Here’s how it may help:

• Antimicrobial effects. Coconut oil contains lauric acid and caprylic acid, two fatty acids with antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties that may kill pathogens on the skin.
• Reduces inflammation. Applying coconut oil lowered inflammatory cytokines and skin inflammation in animal studies.
• Improves skin barrier. Coconut oil enhanced skin cell regeneration and improved skin barrier function in studies.
• Moisturizing benefits. The emollient effects help hydrate dry, cracked skin to prevent bacteria from entering.

Coconut oil also improved wound healing in animal studies by increasing collagen production and skin cell regrowth. All these effects may help treat active cellulitis and prevent future bouts.

Using Coconut Oil for Cellulitis Treatment

There are a few ways to use coconut oil to treat cellulitis skin infections:

• Gently rub extra virgin coconut oil directly on cellulitis rashes several times per day after cleaning the area.
• For leg cellulitis, give yourself a coconut oil massage to improve circulation and reduce swelling.
• Apply a warm coconut oil compress to the affected area for 10-15 minutes to provide anti-inflammatory benefits.
• Add a tablespoon of coconut oil to a warm bath and soak the inflamed skin to hydrate and fight bacteria.
• Drink 1-2 tablespoons of coconut oil daily to benefit from antibacterial properties internally.

Be sure to combine coconut oil with standard antibiotic treatment, good wound care, and keeping the affected limb elevated. Stop use if coconut oil aggravates the skin or causes discomfort.

Coconut Oil to Prevent Cellulitis

In addition to treating active flare ups, coconut oil may help strengthen skin barrier function to prevent future cellulitis episodes. Here are some tips:

• Apply coconut oil daily to dry or cracked skin that’s prone to cellulitis to keep it moisturized.
• Gently massage legs with coconut oil after showering to improve circulation.
• Add coconut oil to your bath water and soak regularly.
• Take coconut oil capsules or use coconut milk/flakes in cooking to get internal antibacterial benefits.
• Use coconut-derived soap and moisturizer on your skin.

Improving cracked skin and circulation prevents the bacteria that cause cellulitis from entering the body. The antimicrobial properties of coconut oil also keep pathogens from flourishing.

Other Natural Remedies for Cellulitis

In addition to coconut oil, some other beneficial natural products may aid cellulitis treatment:

• Tea tree oil - Has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Dilute before applying to skin.
• Apple cider vinegar - Contains acetic acid that acts as a natural antibiotic. Mix with water and use topically.
• Turmeric - Contains curcumin that reduces inflammation and swelling. Take supplements or use turmeric paste.
• Manuka honey - Provides antimicrobial effects for wound healing. Apply medical grade honey to affected areas.
• Epsom salt - Relaxes muscles and draws out infection. Add to bath water or use as a compress.

Discuss trying these natural cellulitis remedies with your doctor and stop if any aggravate your skin. Avoid using multiple products together.

When to See a Doctor

While coconut oil may complement conventional treatment, it’s important to see a doctor for:

• Sudden onset of cellulitis without a known cause
• Signs the infection is spreading like red streaks
• Fever, chills, dizziness, or confusion
• Intense pain or swelling
• Cellulitis on the face or near the eyes
• Lack of improvement within 2-3 days of starting antibiotics

Rarely, the bacteria can enter the bloodstream and become life threatening. Seek emergency care if you have unstable vital signs, severe pain, rapid swelling, or other concerning symptoms.

Who Should Avoid Coconut Oil?

Coconut oil is generally safe when used topically and in moderation. However, some individuals should exercise caution or avoid use:

• People with coconut or nut allergies
• Those with very oily skin
• Contact dermatitis or skin sensitivity
• Pregnant women without doctor approval
• Babies and very young children

Do a small skin test before widespread use. Stop immediately if coconut oil causes a rash, swelling, discomfort, or makes your skin worse.

The Takeaway

Cellulitis is a painful and frustrating recurring skin infection. While antibiotics are the primary medical treatment, coconut oil may provide complementary support with its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and skin barrier enhancing abilities.

Under a doctor’s supervision, coconut oil can be used both during active cellulitis infections and as a preventive measure between occurrences. Just be sure to use high quality extra virgin coconut oil and stop if it aggravates your skin.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use coconut oil with my antibiotics?

Yes, it is generally safe to use coconut oil along with oral or topical antibiotics as prescribed by your doctor. The coconut oil provides soothing moisturization and may have antimicrobial benefits when combined with antibiotics.

Does coconut oil really fight infection?

Coconut oil contains lauric acid and caprylic acid which have demonstrated antimicrobial effects in lab settings. However, more research is needed to confirm coconut oil effectively reduces infections when applied to human skin.

Can I take coconut oil internally for cellulitis?

Consuming coconut oil may help treating cellulitis from the inside thanks to its antimicrobial fatty acids. Have 1-2 tablespoons daily. Check with your doctor first and avoid if you have nut allergies.

Why do I keep getting cellulitis?

Frequent cellulitis usually occurs when bacteria are able to persist in small skin cracks or wounds. Poor circulation, skin damage, and obesity raise risk. See a doctor to address any underlying causes.

Can coconut oil cure MRSA infections?

There is no evidence that coconut oil alone can cure MRSA, which requires antibiotic treatment. However, coconut oil may provide some topical antimicrobial benefits when used along with medical care.

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.