Cellulitis is a frequent bacterial skin condition that can be fatal. The skin is swollen and inflamed, and it is usually painful and warm to the touch.
Cellulitis most commonly affects the lower legs, although it can also affect the face, arms, and other places. When a crack in the skin enables germs to enter, an infection occurs.
If left untreated, the infection can spread to the lymph nodes and circulation, becoming life-threatening very quickly. It normally does not transmit from person to person.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF CELLULITIS?
Cellulitis often affects one side of the body. Its symptoms and indicators may include:
- A skin irritation that tends to spread
- Swelling
- Tenderness
- Spots
- Blisters
- Skin dimpling
- Pain
- Warmth
- Fever
- Chills
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF CELLULITIS?
Cellulitis occurs when germs, most often streptococcus and staphylococcus, invade the skin through a crack or break. The prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), a more dangerous staphylococcus infection, is rising.
Cellulitis can develop everywhere on the body, but the lower leg is the most prevalent site. Bacteria are more likely to invade damaged, dry, flaky, or swollen skin through wounds, cuts, puncture wounds, ulcers, athlete's foot, or dermatitis.
WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS FOR CELLULITIS?
Cellulitis is caused by a number of reasons, including:
- Injury: Bacteria may enter through any wound, fracture, burn, or scrape.
- Skin problems: Atopic dermatitis (eczema), athlete's foot, and shingles can all produce skin breaches that allow germs to enter the body.
- Long-term (chronic) arm or leg swelling (lymphedema): This condition can occur following surgery.
- History of cellulitis: If you've had cellulitis previously, you're more likely to develop it again.
- Being overweight: Cellulitis is more likely to occur if you are overweight.
- Weakened immune system: Diabetes, leukemia, and HIV/AIDS all impair the immune system, increasing the risk of infection. Certain drugs might potentially impair the immune system.
WHAT ARE THE COMPLICATIONS OF CELLULITIS?
Cellulitis left untreated can result in bacteremia, endocarditis, osteomyelitis, toxic shock syndrome, or sepsis. In rare cases, the infection can migrate to the fascial lining, a deep layer of tissue. A deep-layer infection is an example of necrotizing fasciitis. It is a true emergency.
Recurrent cellulitis episodes can harm the lymphatic drainage system and produce persistent edema of the afflicted limb.
HOW IS CELLULITIS DIAGNOSED?
Your healthcare professional will ask about your symptoms and do a physical examination of the afflicted region to diagnose cellulitis.
In most circumstances, your doctor will not order any testing. If you have a severe case of cellulitis, your doctor may offer testing to ensure that the infection hasn't spread to other regions of your body.
Among these tests are:
- Blood test: A blood test will determine whether or not the cellulitis infection has migrated to your bloodstream.
- Skin test: A skin test will determine the type of bacteria causing your cellulitis, allowing your doctor to prescribe the most appropriate medication.
- Bacterial culture: A bacterial culture will determine the sort of bacteria causing your cellulitis.
WHAT ARE THE TREATMENTS FOR CELLULITIS?
Cellulitis therapy generally comprises an oral antibiotic prescribed by a doctor. Inform your doctor if the infection is responding to therapy within three days after beginning an antibiotic. Even if you start to feel better, you must take the antibiotic for the whole course, which is generally 5 to 10 days.
Symptoms usually go away a few days after you begin medication. If you need to be hospitalized and get antibiotics via your veins (intravenously), do the following:
- Oral antibiotics have little effect on the signs and symptoms.
- The signs and symptoms are many.
- You have a high temperature.
HOME REMEDIES FOR CELLULITIS
To assist relieve pain and swelling, try the following steps:
- Apply a cold, moist cloth to the afflicted region as needed for comfort.
- Request that your doctor recommend a nonprescription pain reliever.
- Elevate the afflicted body portion.
- Consult your doctor about if compression wraps or stockings may be beneficial.
HOW CAN CELLULITIS BE PREVENTED?
If your cellulitis recurs, your health care physician may offer prophylactic antibiotics. When you have a skin wound, take the following actions to help avoid cellulitis and other infections:
- Wash the wound regularly with soap and water: Do this carefully as part of your regular bathing routine.
- Ask your doctor if applying a protective lotion or ointment may be beneficial: A nonprescription ointment (Vaseline, Polysporin, and others) provides enough protection for most surface wounds.
- Wrap a bandage around the wound: Change bandages at least once a day.
- Keep an eye out for indications of illness: Irritation, pain, and pus are all signs of infection and the need for medical attention.
People with diabetes or impaired circulation must exercise special caution to avoid skin damage. Good skin care involves the following:
- Daily foot inspection: Check your feet for indications of damage on a regular basis to spot infections early.
- Hand and foot protection: Wear appropriate footwear and gloves for your activity.
- Treating infections on the skin's surface, such as athlete's foot, as soon as possible: Minor skin diseases can spread quickly from person to person. Fungal infections should be treated as soon as they appear.
- Regularly moisturize your skin: Skin lubrication aids in the prevention of cracking and peeling. Moisturizer should not be applied to open wounds.
- Trim your fingernails and toes with care: Take caution not to harm the skin around the wound.
CONCLUSION
Cellulitis is a common skin disorder that mostly affects children and individuals who have wounds, chronic skin problems, or a compromised immune system. If you develop signs of cellulitis, contact your doctor straight once. They'll give you an antibiotic to treat the bacterial infection and propose home remedies to make you feel better.
Make sure you maintain good hygiene to avoid cellulitis. To limit the risk of infection, treat any wounds with water and antibacterial soap and cover them with a clean bandage.