Cellulitis is a bacterial illness that affects the skin and surrounding tissues. It usually looks like a red, swollen, and sensitive area of skin. It can also cause fever and other symptoms. Cellulitis can develop anywhere on the body, although the legs and face are the most commonly affected. Antibiotics are needed to treat it since it is caused by a bacterial infection, most often streptococcus or staphylococcus. Cellulitis can cause serious problems if it is not treated, so if you think you have it, see a doctor.
Causes
Cellulitis is caused by a bacterial infection, most commonly from the Streptococcus or Staphylococcus genus. In most cases, the infection enters the body through a skin breach, such as a cut, scrape, burn, or insect bite. Cellulitis risk factors include:
- A compromised immune system
- A history of cellulitis or other skin diseases
- Being diabetic
- Insufficiency of circulation in the legs
- The presence of varicose veins
- Having a skin disease, such as eczema or psoriasis, that produces skin breaks
- Living in a hot, humid climate
- Having a history of injectable drug use.
- Having just had surgery or been injured
It is crucial to remember that cellulitis may occur in healthy people who have no underlying illnesses.
Symptoms
Cellulitis symptoms vary depending on the severity of the illness, but frequent symptoms include:
- Pain or tenderness in the afflicted area
- The afflicted region is red, heated, and swollen.
- Weakness or fatigue
- A fever or a feverish sensation
- A rash or redness that spreads.
- Blisters and pus-filled ulcers
- Sweating
- Inflammation of the lymph nodes
- vomiting (rare)
If left untreated, symptoms can emerge fast and become severe. If you believe you have cellulitis, get medical assistance immediately since it can lead to significant consequences if not treated properly.
Treatment
Antibiotics are the primary therapy for cellulitis because they eliminate the bacteria that cause the illness. The type of antibiotic used, and the length of therapy will be determined by the bacteria causing the infection as well as the severity of the cellulitis.
Antibiotics will be administered orally (by mouth) or intravenously (through a vein). Cellulitis that is mild to moderate is often treated with antibiotics that are taken by mouth. Cellulitis that is more severe is usually treated with antibiotics that are given through a vein in a hospital or clinic.
Other treatment options for cellulitis outside of antibiotics include:
- Pain and inflammation can be reduced using over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
- To minimize swelling, elevate the afflicted limb.
- Warm compresses applied to the afflicted region.
- Compression stockings are worn to enhance circulation and minimize edema.
- In extreme situations, surgery may be necessary to remove affected tissues.
Also, it's important to treat any underlying conditions, like eczema, psoriasis, or varicose veins, that can make cellulitis more likely. To prevent the infection from reoccurring, it is critical to take the whole course of antibiotics as prescribed, even if you begin to feel better before the medicine is done.