Infectious cellulitis is inflammation of the skin that can develop following a cut, scrape or injury, where the skin and subcutaneous tissue remain exposed to bacteria. Streptococcus and staphylococcus are the most common types of bacteria that cause infectious cellulitis, which is characterized by severe itching and widespread skin inflammation accompanied by fever. When not treated properly, it can lead to complications including bone sepsis, meningitis, or lymphangitis. Therefore, if you spot the early symptoms of infectious cellulitis, it is important to see a doctor right away.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Getting the Diagnosis
Step 1. Learn about the risk factors
Infectious cellulitis is a skin infection that usually occurs in the lower legs or shins. There are several risk factors by which strep or staph are more likely to find an entry point into the skin. You are at a higher risk of getting infectious cellulitis if you are in any of the following cases:
- Injury to the affected area. Cuts, burns or scrapes split the skin, offering an entrance for bacteria.
- Skin disorders such as eczema, chicken pox, shingles or elementary skin lesions. Since the outer layer of the skin is not intact, bacteria are more likely to get inside.
- Impaired immune system. If you have HIV or AIDS, diabetes, kidney disease, or another condition that affects the immune system, you are more likely to have a skin infection.
- Lymphedema, a chronic swelling in the legs or arms. It can cause the skin to crack, causing infections.
- Obesity, as it is linked to a high risk of infectious cellulite.
- If you have suffered from infectious cellulite in the past, you are at risk of developing it again.
Step 2. Look for symptoms and signs
Infectious cellulitis often manifests as an itchy red rash that spreads to the area where the skin is broken. If you notice an irritation spreading near a cut, burn or wound, especially if it is in the lower legs, it could be infectious cellulitis. Look for the following symptoms:
- Red rash, accompanied by itching and warmth on the injured area, which continues to spread and swell. The skin may appear thin and tight.
- Pain, tenderness, or pain near the site of the infection.
- Chills, fatigue and fever, as a warning of an infection.
Step 3. Confirm the diagnosis of infectious cellulitis
If you notice symptoms of infectious cellulitis, even if the rash hasn't spread much, it's important to see a doctor because if you allow it to progress, it can lead to serious complications. Infectious cellulitis can also be an indication that a deeper and more dangerous infection is spreading.
- When you go to the doctor, explain the symptoms and signs of infectious cellulitis that you have noticed.
- In addition to doing a physical exam, your doctor may order additional laboratory tests, including a blood count or blood culture.
Part 2 of 3: Coping with Infectious Cellulitis
Step 1. Protect those around you
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is becoming more and more common and is contagious. Do not share any personal items such as razors, towels or clothing. Also, make sure anyone dealing with your ailment wears gloves before touching cellulite and anything else that may be contaminated.
Step 2. Wash the cellulite
Wash it with regular body soap and water, then rinse it off. Next, wrap a cool damp cloth around the area for some comfort. You should still make a doctor's appointment, but flushing will help narrow the spread of the infection.
Step 3. Cover the wound
Until the skin has scabs, it is necessary to protect open wounds. Apply a bandage, and change it once a day: this will help maintain maximum protection while the body is rebuilding its natural defenses.
Step 4. Wash your hands regularly
You don't have to spread additional bacteria on your wound. It would also be best not to transmit the bacteria to another open wound on your body. Make sure you wash your hands before and after treating your wound.
Step 5. Take simple pain medications
If the wound is painful or swollen, simple acetaminophen or ibuprofen will help reduce swelling and discomfort. Take only the recommended dose, and stop when and if your doctor prescribes another medicine for you.
Part 3 of 3: Treating and Preventing Infectious Cellulitis
Step 1. Take antibiotics
It is the most common cure in cases of infectious cellulite in moderate form. Treatment depends on the severity of the infection and the state of health, but usually includes a prescription for oral antibiotics to eradicate the infection. Typically, this is penicillin (or cephalosporins, if you are allergic to penicillin). Infectious cellulite should begin to regress within a few days and disappear completely within seven to ten days.
- Your doctor may advise you to take 500 mg of cefalexin orally every 6 hours. If he suspects you have MRSA, then he can prescribe you Bactrim, clindamycin, doxycycline, or minocycline. Bactrim is most often prescribed for MRSA cases.
- Your doctor will ask you to keep him updated on developments over the next two to three days. If it seems to go away, you will need to continue taking antibiotics regularly (usually for 14 days), to ensure that the infection clears completely.
- Your doctor will prescribe oral antibiotics if you are healthy and the infection is confined to your skin, but if it feels deeper and presents with other symptoms, oral antibiotics will not be enough for quick action.
Step 2. Get therapy when infectious cellulitis is severe
In extreme cases, when infectious cellulite is at a more advanced stage within the body, hospitalization may be required. Antibiotics are given intravenously or by injection to eradicate the infection more quickly than oral administration.
Step 3. Clean the wounds carefully
Infectious cellulitis most often occurs when an open wound is not well covered and is in danger of being affected by bacteria. The best way to prevent this from happening is to immediately clean the wound as soon as you happen to get injured, cut or burned.
- Wash the wound with soap and water. Repeat this every day until it heals.
- If the wound is large or deep, bandage it with sterile gauze. Change the bandage daily until the wound is healed.
Step 4. Raise your legs
Poor blood circulation can slow healing time, but lifting the area where you have cellulite can help. For example, if you have infectious cellulite on your legs, lifting them can help improve blood flow and promote healing.
Try putting your legs on a couple of pillows while in bed
Step 5. Check the wound for signs of infection
Check the wound every day when you remove the bandage to make sure it is healing properly. If it begins to swell, redden, or itch, you may need to see a doctor. If the wound is tender or dry, this is another sign that an infection may be ongoing, so make an appointment with your doctor right away.
Step 6. Keep your skin healthy
Since infectious cellulite commonly affects people who have dermatological diseases, taking care of your skin is an important preventative measure. If it is sensitive or dry, or if you have diabetes, eczema, or another skin condition, use the following steps to keep your skin intact and prevent infectious cellulite.
- Moisturize your skin to keep it from cracking and drink plenty of fluids to hydrate your body.
- Protect your feet by wearing sturdy socks and shoes.
- Trim your toenails carefully so you don't accidentally cut the surrounding skin.
- Treat athlete's foot early so it doesn't turn into a more serious infection.
- Treat lymphedema to prevent the skin from cracking.
- Avoid activities that can result in cuts and scrapes on the legs and feet (bush trekking, gardening, etc.).
