Cellulitis

Cellulitis?

Cellulitis is an acute bacterial infection of the dermal and subcutaneous layers of the skin, often occurring after a local skin trauma. The  in adults, lower legs are most commonly effected by cellulitis it can occur anywhere on the body, even the face. It commonly affects the face and the anus in children.

It can be fatal if left untreated because the infection can be spread to the bloodstream and lymphnodes.

 Symptoms

Redness, swelling, tenderness, fever, warmth, and pain. Red spots that are small can appear on top of the reddened skin, and small blisters might appear and then burst. If you have a fever, you will want to get medical attention asap, or if you have a rash that is tender, red and swollen or changing rapidly.  Muscle aches and pain, as well as chills could signal an infection of the skin. Fatigue and general ill feeling may accompany these. Nausea and vomiting, hair loss at the site of the infection, and joint stiffness caused by swelling of the tissue over the joint are all symptoms of cellulitis as well.

Cellulitis spread?

Cellulitis occurs over skin when bacteria enters the skin through a slit, crack or trauma. Commonly happens on the legs, people that have recently got a tattoo or piercing, have weakened immunity, insect bite should be concerned about cellulitis.

Other Skin Conditions and Diseases Associated to Cellulitis

Certain skin conditions such as shingles, chicken pox, athletes foot, and eczema, Swelling of the arms or legs may result in swollen skin that cracks may lead to cellulitis.

Cellulitis Treatment and Prevention

An exam of the skin will be needed to determine if you have cellulitis.  Often times no other testing is done, however in some cases a blood culture, a complete blood count, or a culture of any other fluid inside the effected area may be done.   It will be treated with antibiotics.  Usually within 3 days, the cellulitis should start looking better. If it does not, let the doctor know.  Usually a round of antibiotics will be prescribed for up to 14 days. Keep taking the prescribed meds even if you do feel better or the skin clears up.   If the infection becomes severe, one may need to be hospitalized to have IV antibiotics to go directly into the bloodstream.  The effected area will need to be rested, and dead skin tissue may need to be cut away.

One can prevent cellulitis from happening. Keep the skin clean and take good care of it. Prevent skin from cracking by applying lotion. If you have diabetes, check the feet and legs often.  If you do have a wound, wash it daily with warm water and soap.  Dry well and then apply an antibiotic cream.  Be on the lookout for signs of infection, such as drainage, redness and pain.