Category: 3. Cellulitis

A person cannot always prevent cellulitis from developing, but there are some ways to reduce the risk. Treat cuts and grazes: Keep any cut, bite, graze, or wound — including those from a recent surgery — clean to reduce the risk of infection. Practice thorough hygiene: Wash hands often, shower regularly, and wear clean clothes to decrease the skin’s contact with…

Cellulitis requires immediate medical treatment, meaning it will not respond to home treatment. However, a person can do some things to feel more comfortable while waiting for medical attention and during treatment. Tips include: drinking plenty of water keeping the affected area raised to help reduce swelling and pain regularly moving the affected part of the…

Serious complications can arise in rare cases. They include: Permanent swelling: Without treatment, the person may develop permanent swelling in the affected area. Blood infection and sepsis: This life threatening condition results from bacteria entering the bloodstream, and it requires rapid treatment. Symptoms of sepsis include a fever, a rapid heartbeat, rapid breathing, low blood pressure, dizziness when standing…

A doctor will examine the individual and assess their symptoms. The doctor may ask about any medications a person is taking, their symptoms, and their medical history. They may also collect a swab sample or take a biopsy to find out which type of bacteria is present. Laboratory tests can help rule out other possible causes,…

Cellulitis is usually the result of bacteria from the Streptococcus and Staphylococcus groups. These bacteria are common on the surface of the skin, where they are not harmful. However, if they enter the skin, usually through a cut or scratch, they can cause an infection. Cellulitis is not usually contagious but can be spread through contact if a person with an open wound…

Early treatment with antibiotics is usually successful. Most people receive treatment at home, but some need to receive it in a hospital. A doctor may suggest one or more of the following treatments: Medication A mild case of cellulitis usually responds to oral antibiotic treatment in 7–14 days. The symptoms may initially worsen, but they usually start easing…

Cellulitis usually begins as a swollen, pink or red patch of skin that may increase in size and severity as the infection spreads. The following symptoms may occur in the affected area: redness and swelling warmth tenderness and pain Some people develop blisters, skin dimpling, or spots. A person may also experience other symptoms of an infection,…

There are different types of cellulitis, depending on where the infection occurs. Some types include: periorbital cellulitis, which develops around the eyes facial cellulitis, which develops around the eyes, nose, and cheeks breast cellulitis perianal cellulitis, which develops around the anal orifice Cellulitis can occur anywhere on the body, including the hands and feet. Adults tend to…

Cellulitis is a painful bacterial infection of the deeper layers of skin. It can start suddenly and may become life threatening without prompt treatment. Mild cases involve a localized infection, with redness in one area. More serious cases involve a rapidly spreading infection that can lead to sepsis. The spread will depend, to some extent, on how strong the person’s…

Cellulitis is a bacterial infection in the deeper layers of skin and the fat and soft tissue underneath. Cellulitis is a type of bacterial skin infection that can cause symptoms such as pain, swelling, and redness. Medical treatment is necessary and typically involves the use of antibiotics administered orally or through an IV. Though a person…