Lybrate Logo
Get the App
For Doctors
Login/Sign-up
Book Appointment
Treatment
Ask a Question
Plan my Surgery
Health Feed
tab_logos
About
tab_logos
Health Feed
tab_logos
Find Doctors

Cellulitis - Symptom, Treatment And Causes

Last Updated: Nov 12, 2019

What is Cellulitis?

Cellulitis is one of the common skin infections caused by bacteria. Streptococcus and staphylococcus bacteria commonly cause cellulitis. It may initially be swollen and red in appearance that feels tender and hot to touch. The swelling and redness generally spreads rapidly.

It is generally painful. In most instances, the lower legs get affected, even though the infection might also take root on other body parts or even the face. Cellulitis generally affects the skin surface, but it might also spread to the tissue layers beneath the skin. Cellulitis might also spread to the bloodstream or lymph nodes.

What are the symptoms of cellulitis?

If a person is suffering from the problem of cellulitis on one side of the body then he/she might experience the following symptoms:

  • A person might experience swelling of the specific part of the body.
  • A person suffering from the condition of cellulitis may experience pain.
  • A person might also experience warmth in the infected area of the body.
  • There may be red spots on the skin of the person infected with cellulitis.
  • There may be dimpling on the skin.
  • A person might experience a fever if he/she is infected with cellulitis.
  • There may be a red area on the skin that tends to expands.

What is the main cause of cellulitis?

When the bacteria streptococcus and staphylococcus enter the skin through the crack then a condition of cellulitis occurs. There is an increase in the incidence of a more serious staphylococcus infection known as methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus. The state of cellulitis can happen at any piece of the body.

However, the most common location for the occurrence of cellulitis is the lower leg. It is through the disrupted skin like cuts, puncture wounds, ulcer, athlete’s foot, and recent surgery a bacteria might enter. A person can also suffer from the infection of cellulitis if an animal bites him/her. If the skin of the person is dry, swollen, or flaky then also the bacteria can enter.This can cause a disturbance in the capacity of the organs.

How dangerous is cellulitis infection?

The infection of cellulitis can be very dangers if a person gets infected by it. Some of the more serious symptoms of cellulitis are inclusive of the following:

  • A person might experience chills and shivers.
  • A person might also experience extreme tiredness without any physical strain.
  • A person might experience dizziness.
  • The skin of the person might be warm along with muscle aches and excessive sweating.
  • A person might experience lightheadedness.

If these symptoms occur then hospitalization of the person may be required for the proper treatment. Apart from this, the infection of cellulitis is dangerous because it can be contagious as well. It doesn't spread starting with one individual then onto the next.

However, a person can catch cellulitis if a person has an open cut on the skin and it touches the skin of the person that is infected. If a person is suffering from the condition of cellulitis then that person is more likely to catch cellulitis.

pms_banner

How cellulitis infection is diagnosed?

The doctor might keep a check on the areas affected for some time to check for the spread of swelling or redness in and around the affected parts, if the symptoms are severe. In few cases, the doctor might carry out blood tests or a wound culture test for checking for bacteria traces. The doctor might start you off with a 10 day or a 21 day regimen of antibiotics for treating cellulitis.

What is the best treatment for cellulitis?

If a person is suffering from the condition of cellulitis then a doctor may advise a patient to consume antibiotics orally for a duration of 5 to 15 days. Some pain killers may be prescribed by the doctor for relieving the pain. A person may also be advised to take rest until the symptoms improve. If any limb of a person is infected then it must be raised above the heart level so that swelling may be reduced.

If a person starts taking antibiotics then the A person might be in need of a longer treatment if the infection is severe.cellulitis may start to go away if a person starts taking antibiotics within 7 to 10 days. An individual may be needing a more extended treatment if the disease is serious. It might be due to a compromised immune system or may be due to a chronic condition. A person should continue to consume antibiotics for the prescribed time even if the symptoms are improved. This is done to ensure all the bacteria are killed.

What are some home remedies for cellulitis?

Some of the home remedies which can be beneficial for the treatment of cellulitis are given below:

  • Tea tree oil: It can be very helpful in the treatment of the condition of cellulitis as it has both microbial and anti-inflammatory properties.
  • Oregano oil: This oil is very helpful in fighting against staph bacteria as it possesses amazing antibacterial properties.
  • Hot or cold compress: This technique can be helpful in the treatment of cellulitis as it provides instant relief from the symptoms of the cellulitis. It is very helpful in the reduction of inflammation and pain.
  • Turmeric: It is an excellent source of anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties as it has curcumin present inside it. When it is combined with honey it becomes one of the best home remedies for the treatment of cellulitis.
  • Garlic: One of the major constituents of garlic is allicin, which is known for the excellent antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. It reduces the pain and swelling associated with the condition of pain and swelling.

References

Popular Questions & Answers

View All

I am facing an issue where I feel like itching ...

related_content_doctor

Dr. Sabana Ansari

Trichologist

Hello! a proper scalp examination will rule out the condition you are suffering. There are many c...

Hello doctor. I had d&c on 13 june and then I a...

related_content_doctor

Dr. Gayathri Meganathan

Gynaecologist

Hi ,after d@c spotting can be there on and off, but if more bleeding continues ,then need to chec...

I am 23 now. I am going to getting married with...

related_content_doctor

Dr. Sunita Kothari

Gynaecologist

Dear user, I have read your issue and come to know that you want to start ovral l ocp, start from...

My hair fall is increasing day by day. For the ...

related_content_doctor

Dr. Prakash Chhajlani Dedicated Service Since 1986

Cosmetic/Plastic Surgeon

You may need to add finastride if advised by your treating Dr. It may help. But take it for atlea...

I am suffering from fungal infection/ severe da...

related_content_doctor

Dr. Narasimhalu C.R.V.(Professor)

Dermatologist

You are suffering from hormonal changes causing Androgenetic alopecia causing hair fall. It's com...

Table of content

Content Details
Profile Image
Written ByDr. Gaurav AroraCASMHomeopathy
Need more help 

15+ Years of Surgical Experience

All Insurances Accepted

EMI Facility Available at 0% Rate

Find General Physician near me

pms_banner
chat_icon

Ask a free question

Get FREE multiple opinions from Doctors

posted anonymously
lybrate_youtubeâ–¶
lybrate_youtubeâ–¶
lybrate_youtubeâ–¶
lybrate_youtubeâ–¶
lybrate_youtubeâ–¶

Having issues? Consult a doctor for medical advice