What is Cellulitis?
Cellulitis is a common bacterial skin infection that affects the deeper layers of the skin and spreads rapidly. Unlike impetigo which infects the top superficial layers of skin, cellulitis is an infection of the deeper dermis and subcutaneous fat tissue.
What Causes Cellulitis?
Cellulitis is most often caused by common bacteria that enters your body through a crack or break in your skin. This provides a pathway for bacteria to get into the deeper tissue. Streptococcus and Staphylococcus bacteria are the most likely culprits behind cellulitis.
Anything that causes a skin breach can allow cellulitis bacteria to take hold, including:
- Cuts, abrasions, burns
- Surgical wounds, IV sites, skin ulcers
- Fungal infections like athletes foot
- Insect bites
Who Gets Cellulitis?
Anyone can get cellulitis, but there are risk factors that make some people more vulnerable to this skin infection, such as:
- Older adults over age 65
- People with weakened immune systems
- Individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes, cancer, or liver disease
- Poor circulation in the arms or legs
- Edema (fluid buildup under skin)
- Prior damage or trauma to soft tissue
- History of cellulitis
Symptoms of Cellulitis
Cellulitis causes the affected skin area to become red, swollen, warm and tender. The main signs and symptoms include:
Red, Swollen Skin
Skin redness is one of the most common initial signs of cellulitis. The affected area swells up as inflammation and fluid buildup spreads under the skin.
Skin Warmth
As blood flow to the infected area increases, the skin feels warm to the touch. Fever may also develop as the body reacts to the spreading bacteria.
Skin Pain
The skin around the infection site becomes tender and painful as swelling and inflammation intensifies in the tissue underneath.
Chills, Fever, Sweating
You may begin running a fever and experience flu-like symptoms as the infection worsens. Chills, sweating, headaches and muscle aches are common as the body fights the invading bacteria.
Blisters, Skin Breakdown
The inflammation and rapid infection destroying tissue can lead fluid-filled blisters. Skin damage and dead tissue may be visible in severe cases.
Red Streaking
Inflammation and infection spreading through lymph channels may create red lines or streaks on the skin.
When to See Your Doctor
While mild cases can resolve with over-the-counter care, worsening pain, swelling, fever and flu-like illness require prompt medical care. Seek emergency care if you have:
Rapid Spreading
Quickly spreading swelling, redness and pain indicates a severe progression of infection invading tissue.
High Fever
A fever over 100.4F demands emergency medical evaluation as it signifies a systemic blood infection.
Difficulty Breathing
Trouble breathing can result from swelling and fluid buildup compressing airways.
Changes in Consciousness
Confusion, loss of alertness or orientation may indicate sepsis an often life-threatening complication.
Diagnosing Cellulitis
To diagnose a suspected case of cellulitis, the doctor will:
Assess Infection Location & Severity
Evaluate where on your body the infection is located and how much it has spread. The source of the infection and if its superficial or in deeper tissue will also be determined.
Take a Medical History
Ask about your symptoms, when they started and any precipitating injuries or events. Your doctor will also ask if you have any medical conditions or other risk factors.
Conduct a Physical Exam
A physical exam of the infected area checks your vital signs like temperature, breathing rate and blood pressure. Theyll palpate the skin for swelling, look for blistering, and check if lymph nodes near the infection are enlarged.
Order Diagnostic Tests
While often diagnosed based on appearance alone, tests like bloodwork, skin biopsies or imaging scans might be used to pinpoint the infection type or check for spread to the bloodstream or deeper tissues.
Treating Cellulitis at Home
Mild non-spreading cellulitis may be managed with at-home care such as:
Rest
Get extra rest to conserve energy for healing. Keep the affected limb or body part elevated on pillows to minimize swelling.
Apply Warm Compresses
Place warm, moist compresses over the inflamed area to alleviate swelling and pain.
OTC Pain Relievers
Tylenol (acetaminophen) or Advil/Motrin (ibuprofen) can help relieve discomfort. Avoid scratching or irritating the infected skin.
Antibiotic Creams
Over-the-counter topical antibiotics like Neosporin can fight infection in superficial wounds but dont impact deeper cellulitis bacteria.
Monitor for Spreading
Watch closely for redness expanding beyond the original borders or any spikes in fever, swelling or fatigue. If worsening, promptly contact your doctor.
Medical Treatment for Cellulitis
More advanced cellulitis requires prescription antibiotic therapy, either oral or intravenous depending on severity, to clear the bacterial skin infection:
Oral Antibiotics
Antibiotics like Keflex (cephalexin), penicillin or dicloxacillin combat spreading infection. Take the full course as directed even after symptoms start improving.
Intravenous (IV) Antibiotics
Difficult infections may warrant hospitalization for IV versions of antibiotics to rapidly treat systemic illness.
Surgical Drainage
If significant pus or abscess is present, your physician may need to surgically open and drain the wound site.
Wound Care
Properly cleaning and protecting any wounds with sterile dressings is vital to support healing and prevent reinfection.
Lifestyle Treatments for Cellulitis
In addition to medical intervention, you can incorporate these healthy strategies to help resolve cellulitis:
Proper Nutrition
Eat a balanced diet high in immune-supporting zinc, vitamin C and protein to help your body heal.
Stress Reduction
Chronic stress suppresses immune defenses. Try relaxing activities like meditation, yoga and nature walks.
Light Exercise
Light movement increases blood flow to help wound healing. Avoid straining injured limbs.
Compression Stockings
Gradient compression stockings promote venous blood/lymph drainage to alleviate limb swelling.
Elevate Your Legs
If cellulitis is in your lower legs, elevate them above heart level as much as possible to minimize painful edema.
See your doctor promptly if your symptoms worsen at any point during recovery. Monitoring the infection site for indications of worsening skin damage or spreading infection is extremely important.
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.
Add Comment