Cellulitis (sel-u-LIE-tis) is a common, potentially serious bacterial skin infection. The affected skin appears swollen and red and is typically painful and warm to the touch. Cellulitis usually affects the skin on the lower legs, but it can occur in the face, arms and other areas.

What is the main cause of cellulitis?

Cellulitis is often caused when bacteria enter a wound or area where there is no skin. The most common bacteria that cause cellulitis include: Group A ß - hemolytic streptococcus (Strep) Streptococcus pneumoniae (Strep)

Can cellulitis be life threatening?

Cellulitis is an infection of the deeper layers of skin and the underlying tissue. It can be serious if not treated promptly. The infection develops suddenly and can spread through the body quickly. Severe infections can spread deep into the body, and can be life threatening.

What is the fastest way to get rid of cellulitis?

The best antibiotic to treat cellulitis include dicloxacillin, cephalexin, trimethoprim with sulfamethoxazole, clindamycin, or doxycycline antibiotics. Cellulitis is a deep skin infection that spreads quickly. It is a common skin condition, but it can be serious if you don't treat cellulitis early with an antibiotic.

Can cellulitis cause death?

Complications of cellulitis can be very serious. These can include extensive tissue damage and tissue death (gangrene). The infection can also spread to the blood, bones, lymph system, heart, or nervous system. These infections can lead to amputation, shock, or even death.

Understanding Cellulitis: Skin and Soft Tissue Infections

22 related questions found

How long can you live with cellulitis?

With proper treatment and care, small patches of cellulitis can heal in around five or seven days. However, the healing process is largely influenced by the severity of your cellulitis as well as your current health condition. For example, severe cases of cellulitis can last for multiple weeks despite treatment.

Can cellulitis be cured?

Cellulitis is a treatable condition, but antibiotic treatment is necessary to eradicate the infection and avoid complications and spread of the infection. Most cellulitis can be effectively treated with oral antibiotics at home.

What foods help cellulitis?

Consume a balanced diet which includes foods from all groups like vegetables, fruits, carbohydrates, cereals, milk and milk products. Include yellow and orange colored vegetables like carrot which have rich anti-oxidants. Avoid stale, over fried, dry food. Sweet juicy fruits are recommended.

What vitamin is good for cellulitis?

1. Elevated dietary levels of vitamin E and amino acid complexed zinc reduced the incidence of cellulitis.

Who is prone to cellulitis?

Risk Factors for Cellulitis

Certain conditions raise the risk of developing cellulitis and other skin infections. Those conditions include having a weakened immune system, having a history of cellulitis or other skin problems, obesity and overweight, lymphedema, and use of illicit injectable drugs.

Is cellulitis caused by poor hygiene?

Most commonly, it occurs in areas that may have been damaged or are inflamed for other reasons, such as inflamed injuries, contaminated cuts, or areas with poor skin hygiene. Bad circulation from poor vein function or peripheral arterial disease is a common cause of cellulitis.

Will cellulitis go away on its own?

Cellulitis can go away on its own, but it will likely take longer to heal without treatment than it would if you took antibiotics. In the meantime, you run the risk of the infection worsening and even getting into your bloodstream, which can be life-threatening.

Can diabetes cause cellulitis?

In patients with diabetes, any foot infection is potentially serious. Diabetic foot infections range in severity from superficial paronychia to deep infection involving bone. Types of infection include cellulitis, myositis, abscesses, necrotizing fasciitis, septic arthritis, tendinitis, and osteomyelitis.

What are the three causes of cellulitis?

Breaks in the skin due to injury or infection are a common pathway for bacteria. Cuts, open sores, insect bites, eczema, and even fungal infections like athlete's foot can lead to cellulitis.

How is cellulitis transmitted?

Cellulitis isn't usually spread from person to person. Cellulitis is an infection of the deeper layers of the skin most commonly caused by bacteria that normally live on the skin's surface. You have an increased risk of developing cellulitis if you: Have an injury, such as a cut, fracture, burn or scrape.

Why is cellulitis so painful?

Why is cellulitis so painful? The infection in the skin causes swelling. It is this swelling that is painful, because it presses the skin out.

Which fruit is good for cellulitis?

Scientists have not studied the way individual nutrients may treat cellulitis, however, flavonoids -- chemicals in fruits, such as citrus, blueberries, grapes; in vegetables, including onions; and in tea and red wine -- seem to help reduce lymphedema, and the risk for cellulitis.

Does drinking water help cellulitis?

There are steps you can take at home to ease your symptoms and speed your recovery from cellulitis. Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration. If your leg is affected by cellulitis, keep it raised. This should make you feel more comfortable and help to reduce the swelling.

What should you avoid if you have cellulitis?

Don't use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, which can slow healing. If you have swelling in your legs (edema), support stockings and good skin care may help prevent leg sores and cellulitis. Take care of your feet, especially if you have diabetes or other conditions that increase the risk of infection.

What home remedy is good for cellulitis?

These include:

• Covering your wound. Properly covering the affected skin will help it heal and prevent irritation. ...
• Keeping the area clean. ...
• Elevating the affected area. ...
• Applying a cool compress. ...
• Taking an over-the-counter pain reliever. ...
• Treating any underlying conditions. ...
• Taking all your antibiotics.

What is better for cellulitis heat or ice?

Cellulitis is usually treated with antibiotics to help fight the infection, and pain medications such as Tylenol or Motrin to help relieve pain. Warm soaks or the use of a heating pad are applied to the infected area three to four times a day for 20 minutes at a time.

Can I take a bath with cellulitis?

You can shower or bathe normally and pat the area dry with a clean towel. You can use a bandage or gauze to protect the skin if needed. Do not use any antibiotic ointments or creams. Antibiotics — Most people with cellulitis are treated with an antibiotic that is taken by mouth for 5 to 14 days.

What is the cause of cellulitis in the legs?

Cellulitis occurs when bacteria, most commonly streptococcus and staphylococcus, enter through a crack or break in your skin. The incidence of a more serious staphylococcus infection called methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is increasing.

What does cellulitis look like when it starts?

Cellulitis initially appears as pink-to-red minimally inflamed skin. The involved area may rapidly become deeper red, swollen, warm, and tender and increase in size as the infection spreads. Occasionally, red streaks may radiate outward from the cellulitis. Blisters or pus-filled bumps may also be present.

Does cellulitis stay in your body forever?

Most cases of cellulitis respond well to treatment, and symptoms start to disappear within a few days of starting an antibiotic. (5) But if left untreated, cellulitis can progress and become life-threatening.