Cellulitis – Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and Diagnosis
Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and Diagnosis. These are just a few of the many things you need to know about cellulitis. These tips will help you understand the condition better and get the treatment you need.
Symptoms
Symptoms of cellulitis include pain, fever, and a red, swollen area of the skin. It can also cause chills and sweating. Cellulitis is caused by bacteria, and the infection can spread from the skin to the bloodstream.
Cellulitis is usually treated with antibiotics. The best antibiotic depends on the type of bacteria that is causing the infection. You may be prescribed oral antibiotics, or you may need to receive intravenous antibiotics.
Some people with cellulitis may have immune systems that are not strong enough to fight the bacteria. In these cases, the bacteria can enter the bloodstream, resulting in a life-threatening condition called sepsis.
If you have cellulitis, you should keep the area clean to help prevent infection. It is important to wash and pat dry the area. The use of gauze or a bandage may help. Also, avoid sharing towels or other items.
If your doctor suspects that your infection is serious, he or she may perform blood tests to check for infection. You may also need an ultrasound, which can detect a collection of infected fluid underneath your skin.
Cellulitis usually responds well to antibiotics, which are given orally or intravenously. The antibiotics should clear up the infection within a couple of days. However, if you have a severe infection, you may need to be hospitalized.
In addition to antibiotics, your doctor may recommend anti-inflammatory medicines and painkillers. You may also be able to speed up the healing process by using home treatments.
If your cellulitis is very severe, you may need surgery. The surgery may involve draining the abscess, which is a collection of infected fluid beneath the skin.
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of cellulitis, see your doctor as soon as possible. Cellulitis may be caused by an injury, an illness, or a weakened immune system.
Causes
Typically, cellulitis is caused by streptococcus bacteria. This bacteria normally lives harmlessly on the skin, but may cause an infection if it gets into the deeper layers of the skin through cuts or skin openings.
Cellulitis may be treated successfully with oral antibiotics. A person who has a cellulitis infection should take all antibiotics that are prescribed and follow any directions that the doctor gives. However, if the infection is not responding to oral antibiotics, it may be necessary to seek treatment in a hospital.
Patients who have severe cellulitis may need to receive intravenous antibiotics, which are administered through a small needle. This is usually done in the hospital. Patients may also need surgery to drain abscesses. The abscess is a swollen, pus-filled lump under the surface of the skin. The surgeon can drain the abscess by making a small cut in the skin.
People with cellulitis may also need to take pain medicine and rest until the infection goes away. If the infection is severe, it may be necessary to elevate the affected area to prevent further swelling.
Some patients may also need to see a specialist nurse for advice on dressings and bandaging. They may also be referred to an infectious diseases specialist.
Cellulitis can have serious complications if not treated. People who have severe cellulitis may experience blisters, pustules, and necrosis. This is a serious skin infection that may spread to the bloodstream and bones.
If the infection does not clear up in a week, it may be necessary to seek further treatment. People who have underlying conditions may also need to undergo further testing. A dermatologist may confirm the diagnosis and prescribe a treatment plan.
Diagnosis
Typical cellulitis symptoms are redness, warmth, swelling, and pain. This skin infection can occur on any part of the body, but it is most commonly found on the lower legs and feet. It is usually treated with antibiotics, which are given by a doctor.
The infection is caused by a bacteria, usually Staphylococcus aureus. This bacteria can enter the skin through an open wound or through an unsanitary needle. If left untreated, cellulitis can spread to the bloodstream and lymph nodes. This may lead to gastrointestinal bleeding, diarrhea, and heart failure.
Severe cellulitis may require treatment with intravenous antibiotics. These are given in the hospital or by a doctor at home. They are administered through a small needle.
The infection can spread to the bloodstream, causing swelling, aches, and fever. If left untreated, cellulitis may cause sepsis, a dangerous condition that can lead to bleeding in the bloodstream, kidney failure, and loss of consciousness.
If you have cellulitis, you should take all the antibiotics prescribed by your doctor. If you have more severe cellulitis, you may need to take antibiotics for a longer period of time.
Your doctor can diagnose cellulitis by doing a physical exam and talking to you. He or she will look for a red, swollen skin. You may also have a doctor draw an outline of the affected area. You may also have an ultrasound or blood sample taken.
A skin biopsy is also helpful in confirming the correct diagnosis. A skin biopsy may also be done to determine the type of bacteria that causes cellulitis.
If the infection is severe, you may require a blood draw and intravenous antibiotics. These antibiotics are administered by a doctor in the hospital or by a doctor at your home. You may also have a doctor prescribe compression stockings. This may help reduce swelling and allow the body to fight the infection.
Treatment
Usually, cellulitis treatment involves an antibiotic prescribed by a doctor. This antibiotic will usually be administered for 5 to 14 days. Depending on the severity of the infection, it may be necessary to extend the course of the antibiotic.
Cellulitis is a bacterial skin infection that is characterized by inflammation. The infected area usually feels warm, tender, and swollen. The infection usually resolves after a few days.
The most common bacteria that cause cellulitis are group A streptococci. The bacteria enter the body through breaks in the skin, such as an insect bite or wound. They can also enter through cuts, burns, or surgical incisions. If the infection is severe, a patient may be treated with intravenous antibiotics. This treatment is typically given in a hospital.
Oral antibiotics are also used. Oral antibiotics are usually used for 5 to 10 days. The antibiotics should cover the most common strains of bacteria.
A doctor may order blood tests and other tests to determine the bacteria causing the infection. A dermatologist may confirm the diagnosis. If you have any of the symptoms of cellulitis, see a doctor as soon as possible.
Patients with chronic conditions or immunodeficiency may have a harder time fighting the infection. These patients may also develop other bacteria during the treatment.
A healthcare provider can diagnose cellulitis by looking at the skin. He or she will take a medical history and perform a physical exam. If the infection is not responding to treatment, the clinician may order blood tests, a urinalysis, or another test to determine the type of bacteria.
In severe cases, a healthcare provider may perform surgery to drain the infection. This procedure is usually done in a hospital, but some patients may be treated at home.
Complications
Typically, cellulitis begins with a small area of redness on the skin. It can result in swelling and pain, which makes it difficult to perform daily activities. Symptoms can be relieved with antibiotics. However, it is important to visit your doctor right away. This will ensure that your infection is properly treated, reducing the risk of complications.
Cellulitis is most commonly caused by bacteria. These organisms usually enter the bloodstream and travel through the lymphatic system. They can cause a variety of infections, including lymphangitis and gangrene.
A severe cellulitis infection may require intravenous antibiotics, oxygen, or other treatments. Surgery may also be required to drain or remove necrotic tissue.
A bacterial infection can cause a range of complications, including gangrene, which is the death of skin tissue. These conditions can be life-threatening. If you suspect you may have cellulitis, you should see your doctor right away.
Severe cases of cellulitis can result in amputation. In addition, a patient with a cellulitis infection may have problems with the kidneys. In rare cases, the infection can cause blood poisoning, which is also life-threatening.
A bacterial infection can cause swelling in the lymphatic system. This causes inflammation and may result in headaches and swollen lymph nodes. The doctor may want to perform tests to confirm the infection. If a bacterium is identified, a skin sample or blood culture will be taken to determine the specific organism.
The risk of cellulitis increases if you have a weakened immune system. If you have diabetes or a chronic medical condition, you are also at a higher risk. You may also develop cellulitis if you have been bitten by an insect or an animal.
Health Sources:
Health A to Z. (n.d.). HSE.ie. https://www2.hse.ie/az/
U.S. National Library of Medicine. (n.d.). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
Directory Health Topics. (n.d.). https://www.healthline.com/directory/topics
Health A-Z. (2022, April 26). Verywell Health. https://www.verywellhealth.com/health-a-z-4014770
Harvard Health. (2015, November 17). Health A to Z. https://www.health.harvard.edu/health-a-to-z
Health Conditions A-Z Sitemap. (n.d.). EverydayHealth.com. https://www.everydayhealth.com/conditions/
