Cellulitis is a common and sometimes painful bacterial infection in the deeper layers of the skin and the fat and soft tissue underneath. It may first appear as a red, swollen area that feels hot and tender to the touch. The redness and swelling can spread quickly.
Some bacteria are naturally present on the skin and do not usually cause harm. However, if they enter the skin, an infection can result. Bacteria can enter through cuts, grazes, or bites.
Cellulitis is not the same as cellulite, a harmless “orange peel” effect that can appear on the upper arms and thighs.
Cellulitis usually affects the skin on the lower legs, but it can occur in the face, arms and other areas. It occurs when a crack or break in a person’s skin allows bacteria to enter.
If left untreated, the infection can spread to a person’s lymph nodes and bloodstream and rapidly become life-threatening. It isn’t usually spread from person to person.
Symptoms
Possible signs and symptoms of cellulitis, which usually occur on one side of the body, includes;
- Red area of skin that tends to expand
- Swelling
- Tenderness
- Pain
- Warmth
- Fever
- Red spots
- Blisters
- Skin dimpling
Causes
Cellulitis occurs when bacteria, most commonly streptococcus and staphylococcus, enters through a crack or break in the skin. The incidence of a more serious staphylococcus infection called methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is increasing.
Although cellulitis can occur anywhere on a person’s body, the most common location is the lower leg. Bacteria are most likely to enter disrupted areas of the skin, such as places where a person had recent surgery, cuts, puncture wounds, an ulcer, athlete’s foot or dermatitis.
Treatments
Early treatment with antibiotics is usually successful. Most people receive treatment at home, but some need to receive it in a hospital. A doctor may suggest one or more of the following treatments;
Medication – a mild case of cellulitis usually responds to oral antibiotic treatment in 7-14 days. The symptoms may initially worsen, but they usually start improving within 2 days.
Treatment in the Hospital – some people with severe cellulitis require hospital treatment, especially if;
- They have high fever
- They are vomiting
- They are experiencing a recurrence of cellulitis
- Current treatment is not working
- The symptoms are becoming more severe
In the hospital, most people with this type of infection receive antibiotic treatment intravenously, with a drip that delivers the medication through a vein in the arm.
When to see a Doctor?
It’s important to identify and treat cellulitis early because the condition can spread rapidly throughout a person’s body.
Seek emergency care if;
- A person has red, swollen, tender rash or a rash that’s changing rapidly
- A person has fever
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We provide free medical estimates, make medical appointments, and provide several medical opinions if needed at no cost.
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