Cellulitis is a bacterial skin infection that can be caused by various injuries or medical conditions. It is important to get treatment as it can spread and become fatal. People with poor circulation, weakened immune systems, and a history of steroid use are at higher risk. Treatment includes antibiotic therapy.
Cellulitis is a skin infection caused by bacteria. There are many ways bacteria can be introduced into the skin, and some people are at an increased risk of developing cellulitis due to existing medical conditions. Being aware of the potential causes of cellulitis can help people avoid it if they are vulnerable to infection. It is important to get treatment as the infection can spread to deep tissues in the body and reach the bloodstream, becoming potentially fatal.
Most cases of cellulitis involve Staphylococcus or Streptococcus bacteria. Skin infections can also be caused by Hemophilus influenzae, Vibrio vulnificus, Pasteurella multocida, Aeromonas hydrophilia or Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In all cases, the primary cause of cellulitis is the introduction of bacteria into the skin through a cut or scrape, and numerous types of injury can cause cellulitis.
Causes of cellulitis can include surgical wounds, puncture wounds, animal bites or scratches, intravenous drug use, skinned knees after falls, open fractures, and any other injury where the skin is broken, providing an opportunity for bacteria to to enter. People can also develop cellulitis if they have dry, flaky skin, as there may be tiny cracks in it for bacteria to enter the body. Similarly, burns are another cause of cellulite.
People with poor circulation, weakened immune systems, and a history of steroid use are at higher risk for cellulitis. The causes of cellulitis in these individuals can be relatively minor injuries which can become very serious due to the patient’s inability to fight back once the bacteria begins to colonize. It’s important to clean all wounds and keep them clean, and wound sites should be observed for the telltale redness, swelling, warmth, and pain associated with cellulitis infections. If an infection is identified, a doctor should be consulted for treatment.
In some cases, cellulitis infections may clear up on their own. Others cannot and require antibiotic therapy to kill the bacteria. It’s important to treat the infection before it has a chance to spread into deeper body tissues, such as muscles, as this can lead to serious complications, including gangrene. People who know they’ve been exposed to one of the causes of cellulitis can reduce their risk of developing an infection by cleaning the wound thoroughly several times a day and keeping it covered to limit exposure to bacteria. It’s also important to be aware that contact with individuals who have active infections can be dangerous.
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