Cellulitis is a common bacterial skin infection that goes into the deeper layers of skin.
What causes it?
- Bacteria entering through a break in the skin - cut, scratch, insect bite, athlete's foot crack, wound.
- Most often _Streptococcus_ and _Staphylococcus_ bacteria.
- Not contagious from person to person.
Common symptoms
1. Area of skin that is red, warm, swollen, and tender/painful
2. Redness spreads quickly over hours to days
3. Fever, chills, swollen glands near the area
4. Skin may look tight, glossy, or have blisters
5. Most common on lower legs, but can be anywhere
Who is at higher risk?
Diabetes, poor circulation, swelling / lymphedema, athlete's foot, obesity, weakened immunity, previous cellulitis.
Treatment - general information
Cellulitis needs medical evaluation. Standard management usually includes:
- Antibiotics - oral antibiotics for mild cases, IV for severe. Must complete the full course.
- Wound care - clean, cover, treat any underlying athlete's foot or wounds.
- Elevation - raising the affected limb reduces swelling and pain.
- Pain and fever control
- Monitoring - marking the border of redness to see if it spreads.
Do not squeeze, apply herbal mixtures, or use leftover antibiotics.
Go to hospital / ER urgently if you have:
- Redness spreading very fast, red streaks from the area
- High fever, confusion, very severe pain
- Pus, black / blistered skin
- Eye area affected
- You have diabetes and foot cellulitis
- No improvement after 2-3 days of antibiotics
Prevention
- Clean cuts promptly, cover with clean bandage
- Moisturize to prevent cracked skin
- Treat athlete's foot
- Manage swelling - elevate legs, compression if advised
- Keep nails trimmed, avoid scratching
If you are dealing with this right now, it's best to see a doctor, pharmacist, or clinic for in-person assessment, they can confirm if it's cellulitis and choose the right antibiotic.
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