What is cellulitis?
Cellulitis is a bacterial skin infection. The main bacteria responsible for cellulitis are Streptococcus and Staphylococcus. Sometimes, other bacteria (for example, Hemophilus influenzae, Pneumococcus, and Clostridium species) may cause cellulitis as well.
Although cellulitis can occur anywhere on human body or face. Cellulitis usually affects the surface of your skin, in most cases, the skin on the lower legs is affected. Cellulitis may also affect the underlying tissues of skin and can also spread to lymph nodes and bloodstream.
If cellulitis isn’t treated, the infection might spread and become life-threatening.
Causes of Cellulitis
Causes of Cellulitis
The main bacteria responsible for cellulitis are Streptococcus and Staphylococcus. Sometimes, other bacteria (for example, Hemophilus influenzae, Pneumococcus, and Clostridium species) may cause cellulitis as well.
- Bone infections underneath the skin.
- Foreign objects in the skin
- Infections after surgery
- Injuries that tear the skin
- Long-term skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis
- A weakened immune system
- Circulatory system problems problems, such as not enough blood flow to your arms and legs, poor drainage of your veins or lymphatic system, or varicose veins -- twisted, enlarged veins near the surface of the skin
- Diabetes
- Insect bites
- Liver disease such as chronic hepatitis or cirrhosis
- Skin disorders such as eczema, psoriasis, or infectious diseases that cause sores, such as chickenpox
- Skin injuries such as cuts
- Trauma to the skin
Symptoms of Cellulitis
The symptoms of cellulitis may include
- A central area that has an abscess with pus formation
- A feeling of warmth in the affected area
- A skin sore or rash that appears and grows quickly
- A tight, glossy, swollen appearance of the skin
- Fever
- Leaking of yellow, clear fluid or pus
- Pain and / or tenderness in the affected area
- Redness or inflammation
- Swelling
Cellulitis can appear on almost any part of the body. It usually shows up on damaged skin such as inflamed wounds, dirty cuts, and areas with poor circulation.
Cellulitis Diagnosing
Cellulitis can be usually diagnosed on sight by examining the symptoms.
Treatments for cellulitis
- Oral antibiotics may be used to treat cellulitis. The length of treatment with oral antibiotics will depend on the severity of the condition. While taking antibiotics, it's important to monitor the condition to see if symptoms improve.
- Pain relievers might be prescribed.
- Patients may be advised to rest until the symptoms improve.
- To reduce swelling keep the affected part raise than than heart.
- It must respond after 3rd day of beginning of the antibiotic treatments. Unless or if your symptoms get worse, or if develop a fever contact medical assistant immediately.
- Rarely, Doctors may need to open and drain an abscess or pus that has collected in the tissue. They may also need to cut away dead tissue to allow healing.
