Cellulitis – Symptoms and Causes

Overview

Cellulitis is a bacterial skin infection that causes redness, swelling, and pain in the affected area. The skin often feels warm to the touch. This infection typically affects the lower legs but can develop on the face, arms, or other body parts.

The infection begins when bacteria enter through a break in the skin, such as a cut, scrape, or insect bite. Without proper treatment, cellulitis can spread to nearby lymph nodes and enter the bloodstream, becoming dangerous.

Some skin conditions are contagious, but cellulitis isn’t. However, prompt medical attention is important to prevent complications.

Treatment Options

• Oral antibiotics for mild to moderate infections
• IV antibiotics for severe cases
• Pain relievers to manage discomfort
• Cool compresses to reduce swelling
• Elevation of the affected limb to reduce swelling

Proper wound care and good hygiene practices help prevent cellulitis. People with diabetes or weakened immune systems should take extra precautions with skin injuries.

Signs of Infection

Cellulitis typically affects just one side of the body. Look for these common symptoms:

• Red, inflamed skin that spreads
• Swelling in the affected area
• Pain and tenderness when touched
• Warm skin at the infection site
• Fever
• Chills or shaking

The infected area might also develop spots, blisters, or skin dimpling (an orange-peel appearance). These symptoms often worsen without proper treatment.

When to See a Doctor

Get emergency medical help if you notice:

• A rapidly changing rash that is swollen and tender
• Fever with a skin infection

Call your doctor for a same-day appointment when:

• You have a warm, tender, swollen rash that is getting larger
• The infected area feels hot to the touch, but you don’t have a fever.

Quick medical attention is essential because cellulitis can spread quickly through your body. Don’t wait if your symptoms are worsening or if the red area is expanding. Early treatment helps prevent serious complications.

What Causes Cellulitis

Cellulitis develops when bacteria enter the body through breaks in the skin. The most common bacteria involved are Streptococcus and Staphylococcus. An increasing concern is methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), a more dangerous type of staph infection.

The lower leg is the most frequent site for cellulitis, though it can affect any body part. Bacteria typically find entry through:

• Cuts and scrapes
• Puncture wounds
• Surgical sites
• Skin ulcers
• Skin conditions like athlete’s foot or dermatitis

People with dry, flaky, or swollen skin have a higher risk because these conditions create more potential entry points for bacteria.

Risk Factors

Several things can raise your chance of getting cellulitis:

• Skin breaks: Any cut, burn, scrape, or fracture gives bacteria a way to enter your body.
• Weak immune system: Health problems like diabetes, leukemia, and HIV/AIDS make it harder for your body to fight off infections.
• Skin problems: Conditions such as eczema, athlete’s foot, and shingles can crack your skin, letting bacteria in.
• Chronic swelling: Long-term swelling in the arms or legs, sometimes after surgery, increases risk.
• Previous infection: If you’ve had cellulitis before, you’re more likely to get it again.
• Excess weight: Being overweight makes you more susceptible to this infection.

Certain medications that weaken your immune response can also make you more vulnerable to developing cellulitis.

Complications

If cellulitis isn’t treated properly, serious problems can develop. The infection may enter the bloodstream (bacteremia) or affect the heart (endocarditis) or bones (osteomyelitis). In some cases, it may cause toxic shock syndrome or sepsis.

A rare but dangerous complication is necrotizing fasciitis, where infection spreads to the deep tissue layer called the fascia. This condition requires immediate emergency treatment.

People who get cellulitis repeatedly may suffer damage to their lymphatic system. This can lead to chronic swelling in the affected limb.

Prevention

Taking steps to prevent cellulitis is important, especially if you’ve had it before. For those experiencing repeated cellulitis infections, doctors might prescribe preventive antibiotics.

Wound Care

When you have a skin wound, follow these steps to prevent infection:

• Wash wounds daily with soap and water during regular bathing
• Apply protective ointment (like Vaseline or Polysporin), if appropriate
• Cover with a clean bandage, changing it at least once daily

Special Care for Diabetes or Poor Circulation

People with diabetes or circulation problems need extra precautions:

1. Check feet daily for cuts, blisters, or other injuries.
2. Apply moisturizer regularly to prevent skin from cracking. (Avoid putting on open wounds.)
3. Trim nails carefully without injuring surrounding skin.
4. Protect hands and feet with appropriate footwear and gloves.
5. Treat minor skin infections promptly before they spread or worsen.

Fungal infections like athlete’s foot should be addressed immediately since they can increase the risk of developing cellulitis. Using antifungal treatments as soon as symptoms appear helps prevent more serious problems.

Regular skin checks and prompt care of even small injuries can significantly reduce your risk of developing cellulitis.