Cellulitis: Treatment, Symptoms, Causes and Types

What is Cellulitis?

Cellulitis is a deep bacterial skin infection that usually affects the arms and legs, but can also develop around the eyes, mouth, anus, or on the belly. This infection commonly occurs after some injury or trauma that causes a break in the skin, permitting bacteria to enter and cause an infection.

It can affect people of all ages all over the globe, cellulitis is basically an infection deep in the skin. The bacteria responsible for this condition are usually Strep and Staph. They reside on your skin and mucous membranes without causing any harm until your skin breaks out. When there is an opening created due to an injury or surgery, they can invade the layers of your skin and cause cellulitis.

How common is Cellulitis?

Cellulite is relatively common in India, especially for those living in crowded or unsanitary conditions where skin injuries and infections are more prevalent. It is frequently encountered in both urban and rural areas due to factors such as poor hygiene, limited access to healthcare and underlying health conditions that predispose individuals to infection.

What are the symptoms of Cellulitis?

If you are wondering how to identify cellulitis symptoms, here's what you should look for. Each person may experience these symptoms differently, but common indications of cellulitis symptoms include:

• Redness of the skin
• Swelling
• Tenderness
• Warmth in affected areas
• Pain or Discomfort

In some cases, individuals might also experience fever, chills, headache, weakness and red streaks from the original site of the cellulitis. It's important to consult your healthcare provider immediately if you notice these cellulitis symptoms.

What are the types of cellulitis?

Cellulitis types primarily depend on the area of the body affected. The most common cellulitis types include:

• Facial Cellulitis: Occurs on the skin of the face and is most common in children and older adults
• Breast Cellulitis: It is common in women who are breastfeeding and women who have had breast-conserving surgery or radiation therapy for cancer.
• Orbital Cellulitis: Occurs around the eyes, can be serious if not treated promptly
• Perianal Cellulitis: Affects the skin around the anus

Each cellulitis type has unique symptoms and requires specific treatment methods.

What causes Cellulitis?

Cellulitis is caused by a bacterial infection that enters the skin through cuts, insect bites or wounds. The common bacteria includes Group A ß-hemolytic Streptococci (Strep), Streptococcus Pneumoniae (Strep) and Staphylococcus Aureus (Staph).

Other cellulitis causes may include underlying conditions such as diabetes or a weakened immune system, which can increase susceptibility. Immediate treatment is necessary because if cellulitis causes left untreated, it can lead to serious complications such as blood infection or tissue damage.

What are the risk factors for Cellulitis?

Certain factors can increase your risk for cellulitis. Here are some you should be aware of:

• History of skin infections
• Weakened immune system
• Skin Conditions such as eczema or athlete's foot
• Intravenous drug use
• Diabetes

Cellulitis prevention measures can be taken if you find yourself at risk, something that we will discuss soon.

How is Cellulitis diagnosed?

Cellulitis diagnosis requires an examination of your skin and details about your medical history. A blood test or skin sample may also be needed to confirm the diagnosis and the type of bacteria causing the infection.

What tests will be done to diagnose Cellulitis?

The tests for diagnosing cellulitis usually include:

• Complete Blood Count (CBC): To check for bacteria or an increased number of white blood cells, which may indicate an infection
• Blood Culture: Can be used to detect bacteria in your bloodstream
• Skin Culture: This involves taking a sample from the affected area to identify the type of bacteria.

These tests help your healthcare provider tailor a cellulitis treatment plan that suits you best.

How is Cellulitis treated?

Once cellulitis has been diagnosed, your healthcare provider will determine the most suitable course of cellulitis treatment based on factors such as age, overall health, and severity of the condition. Treatments often include antibiotics, topical antibiotics, pain medicine, and rest and elevation. Prompt cellulitis treatment not only helps alleviate symptoms but also prevents the spread of cellulitis to other parts of the body.

Once cellulitis has been diagnosed, your healthcare provider will determine the most appropriate cellulitis treatment based on factors such as age, overall health, and severity of the condition. Treatment often includes antibiotics, topical antibiotics, pain relievers, and rest and elevation. Prompt cellulitis treatment not only relieves the symptoms but also prevents cellulitis from spreading to other parts of the body.

What is the fastest way to get rid of Cellulitis?

Although there is no magic trick for getting rid of cellulitis, early detection and timely treatment significantly speed up recovery. Oral antibiotics are usually the main form of treatment, and most people notice improvement within a few days of starting medication. To prevent recurrence, it is important to complete the entire course of antibiotics, even if symptoms resolve earlier.

What are the complications of Cellulitis?

While cellulitis can be effectively treated with appropriate antibiotics and care measures, if not addressed promptly or appropriately managed, it may lead to serious complications including:

• Abscess Formation
• Blood Infection or Sepsis
• Tissue Damage (Necrotizing Fasciitis)
• Meningitis

When to contact a doctor?

If you notice any of the cellulitis symptoms, such as redness, swelling, warmth, or pain in an area of the skin, especially if accompanied by fever or chills, contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Other symptoms that warrant immediate medical attention include:

• A large area of red, inflamed skin
• Numbness or tingling in the affected limb
• Skin appearing black in the affected area
• Redness and swelling around your eyes or behind your ears

Timely medical consultation is important especially for the individuals with diabetes or a weakened immune system.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the first stage of Cellulitis?

The first stage of cellulitis usually begins with an area of skin turning red and swollen. This might be accompanied by symptoms such as tenderness and warmth around the affected skin region. Other early signs can include fever and fatigue.

What helps Cellulitis go away?

Cellulitis requires medical attention. Cellulitis treatment generally involves the use of antibiotics which help fight off the bacterial infection.

Will Cellulitis go away on its own?

No, cellulitis does not disappear on its own. Since it is a serious bacterial infection, professional medical treatment is necessary.

What bacteria caused my Cellulitis?

The common bacteria that cause cellulitis are Streptococcus (Strep) and Staphylococcus (Staph), which live on our skin and mucous membranes without causing harm unless they find a way into the body.

How long does it take to recover from Cellulitis?

Recovery from cellulitis typically begins within a few days of starting antibiotic treatment. However, it may take weeks for the skin to fully heal, depending on the severity of the infection.

What other conditions may be confused with Cellulitis?

Conditions like deep vein thrombosis, stasis dermatitis, and lymphedema often present similar symptoms to cellulitis and can be mistaken for this infection.

Conclusion

Despite being common, cellulitis requires prompt attention and proper management to avoid complications. Understanding its causes, recognising symptoms early on, seeking timely medical advice, and adhering to cellulitis treatment instructions are vital steps towards managing this condition effectively.

At Metropolis Healthcare, we're committed to providing accurate diagnostic services right at your doorstep. Our skilled professionals come equipped with advanced tools for at-home sample collection, ensuring comfort and convenience for our patients.