Common sense and good wound care are the best ways to prevent bacterial skin infections, including cellulitis. These infections should be treated since they can cause breaks in the skin that can lead to cellulitis.
Skip directly to site content Skip directly to page options Skip directly to A-Z link. Section Navigation. Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Syndicate. Cellulitis: All You Need to Know. Minus Related Pages. On This Page. Breaks in the Skin Allow Bacteria to Enter Anyone can get cellulitis, but some factors can increase the risk of getting this infection. Antibiotics Are Needed Cellulitis is treated with antibiotics. Complications Are Uncommon, but Can Be Serious Complications from cellulitis are uncommon but can include serious infections in the following locations: Blood bacteremia Joints suppurative arthritis Bone osteomyelitis Lining of the chambers of the heart and heart valves endocarditis Cellulitis can cause vein swelling if blood clots form close to the skin thrombophlebitis.
Protect Yourself and Others People can get cellulitis more than once. Good Wound Care Common sense and good wound care are the best ways to prevent bacterial skin infections, including cellulitis.
Clean all minor injuries that break the skin with soap and water. Related Pages. Top of Page. If the infection is left untreated for too long, cellulitis can result in pockets of pus abscesses or the spread of bacteria into the bloodstream bacteremia.
However, most cases of cellulitis resolve with appropriate antibiotic therapy. Cellulitis can occur in anyone. Factors that increase the risk of developing cellulitis include: Diabetes Lymphedema Skin wounds Chronic lower leg swelling edema Athlete's foot tinea pedis Bites from insects, animals, or other humans Obesity Poor circulation in the legs peripheral vascular disease Weakened immune system due to underlying illness or medication Intravenous drug abuse.
Cellulitis can affect any part of the body, but the most common locations are: Lower legs Arms or hands Face Cellulitis initially appears as pink-to-red minimally inflamed skin. The involved area may rapidly become deeper red, swollen, warm, and tender and increase in size as the infection spreads.
Occasionally, red streaks may radiate outward from the cellulitis. Blisters or pus-filled bumps may also be present. Cellulitis may be accompanied by swollen lymph nodes, fever, chills, and fatigue. If you think you have cellulitis, make an appointment to see your doctor. While you are waiting for the appointment with your physician, you can elevate the involved body part in order to decrease swelling. A cool, clean, moist towel can be applied to the area to decrease pain.
If you develop a tender, red, warm, enlarging area on your skin, make an appointment with your physician as soon as possible to get treatment and to avoid complications that may occur if cellulitis is left untreated.
If you also have fever and chills, or if the area involves the face, you should go to the emergency room. If you are currently being treated for a skin infection that has not improved after 2—3 days of antibiotics, return to your doctor.
Each person may experience symptoms differently. Common symptoms include: Redness of the skin Swelling of the skin Tenderness Warm skin Pain Bruising Blisters Fever Headache Chills Weakness Red streaks from the original site of the cellulitis Some cases of cellulitis are an emergency. Always talk with your healthcare provider immediately if you notice any of the following symptoms: A very large area of red, inflamed skin Fever If the area affected is causing numbness, tingling, or other changes in a hand, arm, leg, or foot If the skin appears black If the area that is red and swollen is around your eye s or behind the ear s If you have diabetes or have a weakened immune system and develop cellulitis The symptoms of cellulitis may look like other skin conditions.
How is cellulitis diagnosed? Diagnosis is usually based on a medical history and physical exam. Blood and skin samples may be taken to confirm the diagnosis and the type of bacteria that is present.
A bacterial culture can identify the organism causing the condition and indicate the most effective antibiotic. How is cellulitis treated? Getting treated right away can help prevent the spread of cellulitis. Treatment may include: Oral, intramuscular injection , or intravenous IV antibiotics Cool, wet dressings on the infection site Keeping the area dry and clean Surgery If your arm or leg is affected, elevating the arm or leg may help Rest Time to heal Topical antibiotics Pain medicine as needed Based on the physical exam, your healthcare provider may treat you in the hospital, depending on the severity of the cellulitis.
What are the complications of cellulitis? Complications of cellulitis can be very serious. These can include extensive tissue damage and tissue death gangrene. The infection can also spread to the blood, bones, lymph system, heart, or nervous system. These infections can lead to amputation, shock, or even death. Can cellulitis be prevented?
To prevent cellulitis: Use good personal hygiene. Wash hands often. Apply lotion to dry, cracked skin. Use gloves when cuts and scrapes may happen. Wear protective footwear.
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