Cellulitis Symptoms

Cellulitis is a skin infection most commonly induced by bacteria called Staphylococci. Streptococci are other bacteria responsible for causing this skin infection. In case of a cut or a wound, or even an insect bite, the bacteria can enter the skin and begin to spread, thereby causing the infection. The infection occurs in the lower layers of the skin, i.e. dermis. Even areas with bad blood circulation are prone to develop cellulitis.

An open or contaminated wound is not always the only reason for this infection. It may develop in people with low immunity or in diabetics. For such people, the degree of severity of the infection is much higher and the probability of a recurrence is also escalated.

Even those who are affected by various skin disorders such as eczema, psoriasis, and athlete's foot are at a risk of developing cellulitis. It mainly occurs in the legs and arms, and sometimes on the face, in adults. In children, it may occur around the anus or on the face.

The initial symptoms are those that one would usually ignore at the onset. Mostly beginning as a result of an open wound, one would assume that the redness, swelling, and irritation is because of the wound.

However, this may lead to further infection. It is, thus, important to look out for the following symptoms:

• The symptoms of this condition begin with redness, swelling, and irritation of the affected area.
• The infection then begins to cause some amount of pain and tenderness in the affected area.

• Blisters may develop as a result of the infection. These are generally pus-filled, i.e. they contain a yellowish-green infectious fluid. These tend to drain out or leak in case of cellulitis.

• The affected area begins to swell up.
• If the infection is not controlled it begins to spread into the rest of the blood throughout the body, causing high fever and chills.

The infection is considered serious when the following signs and symptoms are observed:

• As the infection spreads, other symptoms like nausea and vomiting begin.
• The affected area becomes unusually swollen and begins to harden.

• Numbness is experienced when the affected area is touched.
• This infection may occur on the face, which may further lead to severe eye infection which can be dangerous.

The treatment aims to prevent any chance of a recurrence of the infection. It also heals the skin and eliminates other symptoms caused by the infection, completely.

The treatment would depend on the degree of the infection. In situations where the infection has been detected at the earlier stages, home treatment with the help of oral antibiotics will suffice.

However, if the infection is severe, and the recovery is slow, hospitalization may be required in order to administer intravenous (IV) antibiotics. Here are certain treatment methods to cure this infection:

• The most common treatment is the administration of antibiotics. One will notice that the symptoms quickly ease once the antibiotics have been taken. Very rarely, the symptoms may begin to worsen upon taking the prescribed medication. In the likeliness of such an event, it is important that the doctor be consulted immediately.

• Certain treatment procedures can be carried out by oneself. Simple things like drinking plenty of water, keeping the affected area clean and hygienic, and wearing appropriate clothes to prevent the affected area from direct exposure to the sun, can go a long way in curing the infection.

Also, if the infection has occurred in the leg, it is important to keep the leg elevated at all times in order to reduce the pain and swelling.

• Sometimes, hospital treatment may be required if one does not respond to the prescribed medication in the expected manner. In such a case, the antibiotics are given intravenously. Moreover, in severe cases, hospitalization is a wiser option as the facilities available help detect the problem in time, and the time required to combat the problem is shorter.

In order to prevent cellulitis, or a recurrence of the infection, it is important that one maintains hygiene at all times. Also, consulting a doctor immediately is essential to prevent it from spreading. In certain cases, if it recurs, the relevant medication will also have to be continued.

Getting enough exercise to improve blood circulation to all body parts is essential. This goes a long way in preventing any recurrence of the infection.

Disclaimer: This story is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.