What is Cellulitis?
Cellulitis is a skin illness that can be very painful. It could initially present as a swollen, discolored region that is hot to the touch. The swelling and discoloration can swiftly spread. It can affect anyone, but the risk is higher if you have a skin wound that makes it easy for bacteria to get inside of you or a compromised immune system.
Although the infection can happen anywhere on a person’s body or face, the feet, and lower legs are most frequently affected. Source
Types of Cellulitis
Cellulitis is rarely bilateral, affecting both sides of the body at the same time.
It is classified into several types based on where the infection occurs.
- Breast cellulitis, which usually manifests itself on the lower half of the breast
- Perianal cellulitis is an infection of the skin around the anus and rectum that most commonly affects children.
- Periorbital cellulitis (also known as preseptal cellulitis) affects the skin around the eye.
- Orbital cellulitis is a condition that affects the tissue and muscle of the eye socket. Source
What causes Cellulitis?
It occurs when bacteria enter the skin through a break in the surface. It is frequently caused by Staphylococcus and Streptococcus (strep) bacteria.
Cellulitis can occur anywhere on the body, but it is most common in the lower leg. Most bacteria enter through cuts, puncture wounds, ulcers, athlete’s foot, or dermatitis in damaged, dry, flaky, or swollen skin. Bacteria can also enter through a surgical site that has recently healed.
It can develop from skin injuries such as:
- Cuts
- Bug bites
- Surgical wounds
Also Read: Actinic Keratosis: Types, Causes, Risk Factors, Prevention, Home Remedy, Facts
Risk Factors
Cellulitis risk factors include the following:
- -It is more likely to arise at or after middle age.
- – being overweight or obese.
- – Edema (swelling) and ulceration
- – contaminated water and some creatures, such as fish and reptiles.
- – Diabetic patients – Immune system weakened – Circulatory issues
- – An injury or recent surgery
- – Injecting narcotics, especially with previously used needles Source
Symptoms
- The affected area feels uncomfortable and painful.
- Skin’s redness or irritation
- Rapidly expanding skin rash or soreness with tight, shiny, or puffy skin
- Feverish abscess with pus
- Shaking
- Being sicklily tired
- Dizziness
- Lightheadedness
- Muscular pain
- Sweaty heated skin
If cellulitis is not treated, it might spread to other body parts.
Diagnosis and treatment
There isn’t a single easy test that can tell if you have cellulitis; instead, your doctor will typically make a diagnosis after inspecting the affected area and speaking with you about your symptoms.
To determine the sort of bacteria present, they might also perform a biopsy or collect a swab sample. As other illnesses might resemble cellulitis, laboratory tests can help rule out further causes.
A doctor can prescribe the most effective treatment by determining the cause and type of bacteria. This can be difficult, though, as the presence of several bacterial kinds on the skin can result in unreliable results.
Antibiotics and self-care are the two main methods used to treat cellulitis.
Rest is advised till your symptoms become better. It is crucial to take all the medications your doctor prescribes, even if your symptoms disappear within a few days. Source
Home Remedy
One can take certain actions to make themselves more at ease when receiving medical care and while undergoing therapy.
- Consuming plenty of water
- Keeping the affected area elevated to help reduce swelling and pain moving the affected part of the body regularly to help prevent stiffness
- Taking pain relievers such as ibuprofen and refraining from wearing compression stockings until the infection has healed
Can Cellulitis be prevented?
Proper hygiene and wound care are critical for preventing cellulitis, especially if you live in a high-risk area.
The following are some specific ways to reduce your risk of developing cellulitis, whether for the first time or as a repeating incident:
- – Avoid skin injury
- – Keep skin moisturized and clean
- – Treat wounds immediately
- – Treat infections immediately
- – Quit smoking and drinking Source
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