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Cellulitis is an infection of the skin and soft tissues typically caused by staphylococci (“staph”) or streptococci (“strep”) bacteria. It is usually mild and not contagious. However, when it sometimes affects the leg or spreads to other parts of the body, it can be serious.
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Cellulitis usually occurs on one side of the body. Its signs and symptoms may include:
•An irritated area of skin that tends to expand
•Swelling
•Tenderness
•Pain
•Warmth
It's important to identify and treat cellulitis early because the condition can spread rapidly throughout your body.
Seek emergency care if:
•You have a swollen, tender rash or a rash that's changing rapidly
•You have a fever
See your health care provider, preferably within the same day, if:
•You have a rash that's swollen, tender and warm — and it's expanding — but you don't have a fever
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Cellulitis is caused when bacteria, most commonly streptococcus and staphylococcus, enter through a crack or break in the skin. The incidence of a more serious staphylococcus infection called methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is increasing.
Cellulitis can occur anywhere on the body, but the most common location is the lower leg. Bacteria are most likely to enter broken, dry, flaky or swollen skin, such as through a recent surgical site, cuts, puncture wounds, ulcers, athlete's foot or dermatitis.
Several factors increase the risk of cellulitis:
•Injury. Any cut, fracture, burn or scrape gives bacteria an entry point.
•Weakened immune system. Conditions that weaken the immune system — such as diabetes, leukemia and HIV/AIDS — increase the risk of infection. Certain medications also can weaken the immune system.
•Skin conditions. Conditions such as atopic dermatitis (eczema), athlete's foot and shingles can cause breaks in the skin, which give bacteria an entry point.
•Long-term (chronic) swelling of the arms or legs (lymphedema). This condition sometimes happens after surgery.
•History of cellulitis. Having had cellulitis before increases the risk of getting it again.
Untreated cellulitis might lead to bacteremia, endocarditis, osteomyelitis, toxic shock syndrome or sepsis. Rarely, the infection can spread to the deep layer of tissue called the fascial lining. Necrotizing fasciitis is an example of a deep-layer infection. It's an extreme emergency.
Recurrent episodes of cellulitis may damage the lymphatic drainage system and cause chronic swelling of the affected limb.
If your cellulitis recurs, your health care provider may recommend preventive antibiotics. To help prevent cellulitis and other infections, take these precautions when you have a skin wound:
•Wash the wound daily with soap and water. Do this gently as part of your normal bathing.
•Ask your health care provider whether it would help to apply a protective cream or ointment. For most surface wounds, a nonprescription ointment (Vaseline, Polysporin, others) provides adequate protection.
•Cover the wound with a bandage. Change bandages at least daily.
•Watch for signs of infection. Irritation, pain and pus all signal possible infection and the need for medical care.
People with diabetes or poor circulation need to take extra precautions to prevent skin injury. Good skin care includes the following:
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Nov 28, 2023 · Cellulitis is an infection of the deep layers of your skin. You can get cellulitis on any part of your body, but most people get it in their leg or foot. There are different ways doctors may...
May 2, 2022 · Policy. What are the types of group A streptococcal infections? There are several types of group A streptococcal (GAS) infections that can range from mild infection, like a sore throat, to severe or life-threatening conditions. Mild Strep infections. Mild illnesses include: Cellulitis: An infection that targets tissues deep beneath your skin.
Nov 20, 2023 · Cellulitis is an infection of the deep layers of the skin. It develops when bacteria enter through a cut, bite, or wound — including tiny breaks in cracked, dry skin. Common skin-dwelling bacteria, Staphylococcus or Streptococcus, are the usual culprits. Although cellulitis can occur anywhere on the body, the most common location is the lower leg.
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Apr 18, 2022 · Cellulitis is a bacterial infection that enters your skin and tissue through a wound. Treatment includes antibiotics. You should recover in seven to 10 days.
Jan 9, 2024 · Treatment. Home Remedies. Prognosis. Complications. Prevention. What is cellulitis? Staphylococcus and Streptococcus are the types of bacteria that are usually responsible for cellulitis. Cellulitis is a bacterial infection of the skin and tissues beneath the skin.
