Cellulitis is a bacterial infection that affects the skin as well as the tissues beneath the skin. As per NCBI, cellulitis is a quite common condition that primarily affects middle-aged and elderly individuals because the skin ageing process makes the skin more prone to breaks. The lower part of the body, such as your feet, legs, and toes, is most frequently affected by this infection. But, it can develop in any area of your body. It also often occurs on the hands, fingers, arms, and face. If left untreated, it can quickly become life-threatening by spreading to the bloodstream and lymph nodes. Continue reading to find out more about cellulite infection and treatment options.
Cellulitis Symptoms
Usually, this infection affects just one side of the body. Some of the common cellulitis symptoms include:
An irritated region of the skin that tends to enlarge
- Sensitivity
- Swelling
- Warmth
- Pain
- Fever
- Blisters
- Spots
- Chills
- Skin dimpling
- Fatigue
Cellulitis Causes
Various kinds of bacteria can cause cellulitis infection. However, the majority of cellulitis cases are caused by Staphylococcus (staph) and Streptococcus (strep). It results from bacteria getting in through a skin break or crack. The most common way for bacteria to penetrate is through damaged, dry, flaky, or swollen skin caused by cuts, puncture wounds, ulcers, athlete’s foot, or dermatitis. The following factors raise the chance of contracting this problem:
- Injury:
Any wound, crack, burn, or scrape provides a point of entrance for the responsible bacteria. - Compromised Immune System:
Infection risk is increased by immune system-weakening conditions such as diabetes, leukemia, and HIV/AIDS. The immune system may also be weakened by some drugs. - Skin Conditions:
Skin breakdown brought on by conditions like shingles, athlete’s foot, and atopic dermatitis (eczema) allows bacteria to enter the body. - Lymphoedema:
This long-term, persistent swelling of the arms or legs can occasionally follow surgery and increases the risk of this bacterial infection. - Cellulitis History:
It is more likely to recur in those who have previously had it. - Being Overweight:
Gaining too much weight raises the possibility of this issue. Typically, cellulitis is not communicable. However, even though it’s uncommon, skin-to-skin contact between an infected person’s open wound and your own wound could result in the transmission of this bacterial skin condition.
Cellulitis Treatment
For cellulitis disease treatment, your doctor will usually recommend oral antibiotics. Cephalexin and dicloxacillin are two examples of oral antibiotics prescribed by doctors. Antibiotics taken orally may not work for severe cases in this problem. In such cases, antibiotics administered intravenously (IV) using a tiny needle and tube by your healthcare practitioner may be necessary, along with hospitalization. Completing your antibiotic course is the fastest cellulitis treatment approach. A few at-home remedies could hasten the healing process. These include:
- Warm Compress:
The affected area may benefit from applying a warm compress to aid with swelling and other symptoms. - Elevation:
Raising the affected portion of your body helps increase blood flow and decrease blood pressure in the local blood vessels. - Compression:
Compression stockings or wraps help increase blood flow and decrease swelling. Avoid wrapping the affected area too tightly. This may stop the flow of blood. At least twice a day, take off stockings or the compression wrap for 10 to 15 minutes. - Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs):
Pain and inflammation are lessened by over-the-counter (OTC) NSAIDs such as aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen. Since not everyone can take NSAIDs, it’s a good idea to speak with your doctor before using them. When taking antibiotics, you should typically start feeling better in 7 to 10 days. A few days after beginning antibiotics, you’ll start to see evidence that your cellulite infection is getting better. Pain and swelling will subside, and any discolouration will start to go. However, a lengthier course of antibiotics and probably surgery will be necessary for cellulitis that results in complications such bacteremia, endocarditis, or osteomyelitis, as per NCBI.
Conclusion
Serious bacterial infections like cellulitis infection need to be treated right away to avoid complications. Even though it frequently begins as a localized skin infection, if treatment is not received, it can spread swiftly. A full recovery is possible if cellulitis symptoms such as redness, swelling, and fever are identified early and treated appropriately. Most cases can be successfully treated with antibiotics and supportive care techniques like elevation and warm compresses. Preventive steps, such as keeping your skin clean and taking quick care of injuries, can help lower your chance of getting this bacterial infection.
