How to Protect Yourself Against This Common, Yet Potentially Serious, Skin Condition
November 18, 2024
Family medicine physician David Vargas, MD, helps us to understand cellulitis and how to protect ourselves. With over 14 million cases occurring every year, cellulitis is a common and often painful bacterial infection of the deeper layers of the skin. The infection is most prevalent in middle aged and older adults. Although cellulitis can occur anywhere on the body and face, it is most often found on the feet and lower legs.*
What are the causes of cellulitis?
Cellulitis occurs when certain types of bacteria, especially streptococcus (strep), enter the skin through a break in its surface. It can start in skin injuries, such as cuts, bug bites and surgical wounds. Certain risk factors can make a person more likely to develop cellulitis. These include eczema, athlete’s foot, lymphedema, obesity, diabetes and those who are immunocompromised, since the body has trouble fighting off the infection. Seeking treatment is essential. If left untreated, cellulitis can spread to your lymph nodes and blood stream. Serious health problems are rare but can occur.
What are the most common symptoms of cellulitis?
Symptoms of cellulitis can include pain and tenderness in the affected area, redness or inflammation, a skin sore or rash that grows quickly, skin that feels warm to the touch, an abscess with pus. On lighter skin tones, cellulitis may appear red or pink. Darker skin tones may have a dark brown, gray or purple appearance. Symptoms that can be a sign of a more serious infection that has spread include fever and shaking with chills, feeling ill, lethargy, dizziness, sweating, blisters, and red or dark brown streaks on the skin. It’s important to seek immediate medical attention if you notice any of these symptoms.
How is cellulitis diagnosed and what about treatment options?
A healthcare provider can typically diagnose cellulitis by looking at the affected area during a physical examination. Cellulitis is most often treated with oral antibiotics. In more serious cases, intravenous antibiotics may be recommended. Keeping the affected limb elevated on a pillow above the heart can also help to decrease swelling. It’s important to take all of the antibiotics prescribed by your healthcare provider even if you are feeling better. You should also ask your doctor how to clean and cover your wound.**
How can we prevent cellulitis?
It’s important to clean a break in your skin right away. You may also want to apply antibiotic ointment and cover the wound with a bandage. Also, promptly treat any conditions that cause cracking in the skin, like athlete’s foot or eczema. Use moisturizers recommended by your healthcare provider. If you play sports, wear the recommended protective equipment.**
*https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK549770/
**Always ask your healthcare provider about the right treatment for you.