Cellulitis is a bacterial skin infection that causes inflammation, skin discoloration, and pain. In the case of Cellulitis, the infected area becomes swollen and red which makes it warm and painful to touch. If it is not treated properly on time, it could become fatal. It arises out of unhygienic habits, a weak immune system. Although the infection can develop on any area of the skin like hands and feet, it is most commonly seen in the lower leg area of most adults. Let us take a deeper dive into the Cellulitis causes, symptoms, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
Due to multiple factors like unhygienic habits, unclean surroundings, weak immune system, certain diseases, etc., many of us tend to acquire skin infections at some point in life. It is a common condition and can be cured if treated on time. One such common skin abnormality is cellulitis infection.
Cellulitis can be a potentially serious bacterial skin infection that makes the infected area swollen and red. Usually, it is painful and warm to touch. If cellulitis is not treated promptly, it can become life-threatening and spread to some extent.
Depending on the area of infection, there are different types of cellulitis:
Periorbital Cellulitis: It develops around the eyes.
Facial Cellulitis: It develops around the eyes, nose, and cheeks.
Breast Cellulitis: It develops around the skin of the breast.
Perianal Cellulitis: It develops around the anal orifice.
Image Source: Health Jade
Besides this, cellulitis can develop on any area of the skin such as hands and feet. Cellulitis is common in the lower leg area in most adults, whereas, in children, it can develop on the face and neck. It is essential that you are aware of the symptoms of cellulitis so that you can proceed to seek appropriate medical attention at the right time.
In this section, we’ve discussed cellulitis symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention in detail. Let us begin by understanding the various cellulitis causes.
It is imperative that you contact your doctor immediately for cellulitis diagnosis if you observe any of the above mentioned skin abnormalities. When it comes to cellulitis, the doctor will be able to detect it immediately after looking at the infected skin. A physical exam reveals the following:
Skin swelling
Skin redness and warmth
Swelling of the glands
The doctor will be able to determine the severity of the infection after observing the infected area for a few days. In some cases, the doctor may take your blood sample to test it for bacteria.
Cellulitis is a skin infection that needs proper medical treatment for its complete cure. However, if you are suffering from the infection, you can try the following to relieve the pain until medical attention is provided:
Stay hydrated
Keep the infected area elevated to reduce swelling and pain
Move the infected part of the body regularly to prevent stiffness of muscles
Take pain relief medications
Do not wear compression stockings until the infection has healed
Besides, you can use natural remedies such as thyme and cypress oil as these have antibacterial properties. However, there is no scientific evidence that plant-based remedies are effective for cellulitis treatment at home.
In case you are suffering from any cellulitis symptoms, it is highly advisable to contact your doctor immediately. They will be able to help you understand the reason for acquiring this skin infection and provide appropriate treatment for the same. If you have started antibiotics for the treatment of cellulitis, you must contact your doctor in the following cases:
If you do not feel better within 3 days of starting the medication
If your symptoms worsen
If you develop a fever
In extreme cases, cellulitis can cause serious complications such as -
Permanent Swelling: If cellulitis is not treated on time, you can develop permanent swelling in the infected area.
Blood Infection and Sepsis: Sepsis, a life-threatening condition, can occur when the bacteria causing cellulitis enters the blood.
Infection in other areas: In rare cases, cellulitis can spread to other places on the body. These include muscles, bones, or heart valves.
If you are suffering from cellulitis symptoms, make sure that you seek appropriate medical assistance. Effective treatment at an early stage can prevent cellulitis complications. Further, we’ve discussed the preventive measures against cellulitis.
Cellulitis is a treatable skin infection. But it can cause severe complications if the right medical assistance is not provided immediately. Further, if you are worried about the cost of treating the life-threatening complications arising due to cellulitis, contact your insurance provider and see whether your health insurance plan covers it.
You can also check out the range of pocket insurance plans available on Bajaj Markets to cover the treatment cost of various skin conditions.
FAQs on Cellulitis
Is cellulitis disease contagious?
Usually, cellulitis does not spread from the infected person to another. However, you can acquire this skin infection if -
You have an open cut or fresh wound on your skin that touches the infected person’s skin.
People with skin abnormalities such as eczema or athlete’s foot are likely to suffer from cellulitis as well. The bacteria that cause cellulitis can enter your skin through the cracks that these conditions cause.
A weak immune system also increases the risk of acquiring cellulitis.
What is the cause of cellulitis?
Cellulitis is caused due to specific types of bacteria known as Staphylococcus and Streptococcus. The infection usually starts when the bacteria enter your skin through minor skin injuries like small cuts, bug bites, and surgical wounds.
Is surgery necessary for cellulitis treatment?
A course of antibiotic medication can clear cellulitis infection in most cases. However, in severe cases where you may have an abscess, a doctor may need to perform surgery to drain it out.
Is cellulitis infection a serious disease?
As a bacterial skin infection, cellulitis can cause redness, pain and swelling of the skin. This infection, if left untreated, can cause serious health issues.
Can I get cellulitis more than once?
Yes, you are at a higher risk of getting cellulitis again if you have had it once.
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