Cellulitis

Have you ever noticed a red, swollen patch on your skin that feels warm and tender to the touch? You might be dealing with cellulitis, a common but potentially serious bacterial skin infection. Cellulitis affects the skin and the tissue beneath it, causing discomfort and concern for many people. Understanding this condition is crucial to recognise its symptoms early and seek proper cellulitis treatment.

This article will look into the ins & outs of cellulitis, from cellulitis causes and symptoms to diagnosis and treatment options. 

What is Cellulitis?

Cellulitis is a common and potentially fatal bacterial skin infection. It affects the deeper layers and the tissue beneath the skin. This condition typically causes the affected area to become swollen, inflamed, painful, and warm to the touch. While cellulitis can develop anywhere on the body, it commonly occurs on the lower legs, feet, and toes. However, it can also appear on the face, arms, hands, and fingers.

Symptoms of Cellulitis

Cellulitis typically manifests with a range of noticeable symptoms that can vary in severity. Some of the symptoms are:

• Red, swollen, and tender to touch skin 
• The appearance of a rash-like patch that gradually expands over time 
• Warm and slightly darker skin than the surrounding healthy area
• Swelling with the skin appearing puffy and stretched
• Fluid-filled blisters may develop on the affected skin
• The lumpy or pitted appearance of the skin resembles the texture of an orange peel
• Fever and chills 
• Fatigue

Causes and Risk Factors of Cellulitis

Cellulitis is caused by a bacterial infection, which commonly involves streptococcus and staphylococcus. These microorganisms often live harmlessly on the skin but can lead to an infection if they enter through a break in the skin's surface. Such breaks can occur due to various reasons, including cuts, scrapes, insect bites, animal bites, or leg ulcers.

Factors leading to an increased risk of developing cellulitis include:

• People with weakened immune systems (diabetes, leukaemia, or HIV/AIDS)
• Medications that compromise the immune system
• Skin conditions like atopic dermatitis (eczema), athlete's foot, and shingles create openings in the skin, providing entry points for bacteria. 
• Those with a history of cellulitis 
• Obesity as excess weight can increase the likelihood of developing this skin infection.
• Poor circulation in the arms, legs, hands, or feet 
• Conditions such as lymphoedema, which causes fluid build-up under the skin
• Individuals who inject drugs 

Complications of Cellulitis

If left untreated or not addressed promptly, cellulitis can lead to severe complications. These may include:

• Sepsis: It is the spread of the infection to the bloodstream, also known as blood poisoning. 
• Infection in Deeper Layers of Skin: The infection can also extend to deeper layers of tissue, including muscle and bone.
• Necrotising Fasciitis: A rare but severe condition that causes rapid tissue death. 
• Lymphatic Damage: Recurrent episodes may damage the lymphatic drainage, leading to chronic swelling of the affected limb. 

Other Potential Complications: 

• Kidney damage
• Leg ulcers
• Gangrene (tissue death due to decreased blood flow or severe bacterial infection)

Cellulitis Diagnosis

Medical History and Physical Examination: Diagnosing cellulitis involves a thorough examination of the affected area and a detailed discussion of symptoms. Clinicians rely on visual inspection and patient history to identify this skin infection accurately. During the examination, doctors look for characteristic signs such as redness, swelling, warmth, and tenderness in the affected skin.

Additional Tests: Doctors may recommend additional tests for severe cases or when complications are suspected. These can include:

• Blood investigations to check if the cellulitis infection has spread to the bloodstream
• Skin tests or bacterial cultures to identify the specific type of bacteria causing the infection.

Cellulitis Treatment

The treatment for cellulitis includes:

• Antibiotics: Common choices include dicloxacillin, amoxicillin, cephalexin, clindamycin or macrolides. Patients should start feeling better within 7 to 10 days after beginning antibiotic treatment. 
• Hospitalisation: Hospitalisation and intravenous (IV) antibiotics may be necessary in severe cases or when oral antibiotics are ineffective. 
• Over-the-counter Pain Relievers: Ibuprofen or naproxen to manage pain and inflammation 

When to See a Doctor

Seek medical attention promptly if: 

• An area of your skin suddenly becomes red, painful, and hot
• You've already started cellulitis treatment, but your symptoms worsen after a few days or don't improve within a week
• You experience additional cellulitis symptoms, like a very high temperature, feeling hot and shivery, a fast heartbeat or breathing rate, dizziness, confusion, cold, and clammy skin.
• Cellulitis affects your face or the area around your eye
• You have a weakened immune system
• If you have severe lymphoedema
• A young child or older adult shows signs of cellulitis

Home Remedies for Cellulitis

While cellulitis requires proper medical treatment with antibiotics, certain home remedies can complement the healing process and provide relief from cellulitis symptoms. These include:

• Warm compress to the affected area 
• Elevating the affected limb above heart level helps 
• Using compression wraps or stockings 
• Keeping the affected area clean and properly covered 
• Following your doctor's instructions for wound care 
• Staying hydrated 

Prevention

To reduce the risk of cellulitis, you can follow below-mentioned precautions:

• Keep your skin clean and well-moisturised
• Apply moisturiser within three minutes of bathing 
• Protect your skin from injury 
• Wear appropriate clothing and footwear, especially when gardening or working out. 
• Work with your doctor to control conditions like diabetes, eczema, or lymphoedema, 
• Lose weight if you're overweight or obese
• Quit smoking
• Moderate alcohol intake 

Conclusion

Managing cellulitis involves a combination of medical treatment and self-care strategies. While antibiotics are the primary treatment, home remedies like warm compresses and elevation can relieve and support healing. Maintaining good skin hygiene, treating wounds promptly, and managing underlying health conditions are crucial to prevent recurrence. Individuals can better handle this common yet potentially serious skin infection by staying informed and vigilant.

FAQs

1. What is the first stage of cellulitis?

The initial stage of cellulitis typically involves a slight discolouration of the skin. The affected area may feel slightly warm to the touch. As the infection progresses, the discolouration darkens, and the skin becomes swollen and tender.

2. How serious is cellulitis?

Untreated cellulitis can be a serious condition. While most cases respond well to early treatment, the infection can rapidly reach the bloodstream or heart if not addressed promptly. This progression can lead to life-threatening complications such as sepsis or endocarditis.

3. Is cellulitis completely curable?

In most cases, cellulitis is curable with proper treatment. Patients typically experience improvements within a few days of starting antibiotics. Complete recovery usually occurs within seven to ten days, with pain decreasing, swelling subsiding, and discolouration fading.

4. What helps cellulitis go away?

The most effective treatment for cellulitis is a complete course of prescribed antibiotics. However, some home remedies can support the healing process. These include applying warm compresses, elevating the affected area, using compression wraps (with caution), and taking over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers to manage discomfort and inflammation.

5. Will cellulitis go away on its own?

Cellulitis requires medical treatment and will not resolve on its own. If you notice an increase in swelling, discolouration, or pain, or if your symptoms don't improve after a few days of antibiotic treatment, it's crucial to contact your doctor immediately.

6. How long does it take to recover from cellulitis?

Most people recover from cellulitis within seven to ten days after starting antibiotic treatment. However, completing an antibiotic course as prescribed is essential, even if symptoms improve earlier.

7. How contagious is cellulitis?

Cellulitis is not typically contagious. It is usually caused by bacteria that naturally live on the skin's surface. However, in rare cases, cellulitis may spread through direct contact between open wounds.

CARE Medical Team