Cellulitis is a bacterial skin infection that causes redness, soreness, and swelling. It is most common on the legs and face and can be caused by cuts, burns, or weakened immune systems. Treatment includes antibiotics and, in severe cases, hospitalization.
Cellulitis is a skin infection that causes severe inflammation of the affected areas. Symptoms include redness, soreness, and areas of swelling on the skin that look similar to a rash. While it can occur anywhere on the body, the most common area for symptoms to appear is on the legs and face. Cellulitis symptoms can also include fever, chills, excessive sweating, and swollen lymph nodes.
Cellulitis symptoms are caused by a bacterial infection of the skin or tissue that spreads under the skin. The first sign of cellulitis is usually a small area of skin that is tender. Symptoms get progressively worse over time if not treated right away. A small red area may eventually grow into a larger area of affected skin and cause a warm sensation accompanied by swelling.
Cellulite affects the deeper layers of the skin, such as the subcutaneous tissue and the dermis. Cellulitis symptoms may go unnoticed at first before the affected area develops and bacteria grows within the deeper layers of the skin. The main bacteria that cause cellulitis symptoms are streptococcus and staphylococcus, sometimes referred to as staphylococcus. A doctor will likely need to do an ultrasound of the affected area or a blood culture to positively diagnose cellulitis.
Individuals susceptible to cellulitis symptoms often have cuts, blisters, burns, surgical incisions, tattoos, or cracks in the skin. Infection is more likely in people with weakened immune systems and diabetes. Low blood glucose levels and poor circulation increase the likelihood of cellulitis symptoms because the bacteria grow rapidly once an infection is in the bloodstream. Symptoms may be more prevalent among people who live in confined spaces that share sanitation facilities, such as college dorms and nursing homes.
The symptoms of cellulitis are mainly treated with antibiotics. Ointments and lotions can also be used to relieve cellulite symptoms; however, they are often used at the same time as antibiotics to rid the body of cellulitis-causing bacteria. In extreme cases, parts of the skin will need to be removed to clear the infection and pain medication may be required. An individual experiencing symptoms of cellulitis typically should see a doctor to determine the appropriate treatment. In severe cases, where high fever and chills accompany redness, soreness, and swelling, hospitalization may be required to relieve symptoms.
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