Cellulitis is a bacterial skin disease that infects the outermost layer of the skin and its tissues beneath. Cellulitis commonly alters the lower part of the body, but it can also spread to other parts of the body, mostly on the face, abdomen, or anus. If left untreated, the infection can quickly transmit to the lymph nodes, and the infection may streamline into the blood, posing a serious risk to life.

The infection is localised in mild cases, causing redness in the infected area. The spread is more severe for individuals with weak immune systems. Cellulitis appears reddish or pink on light-coloured skin and brown, grey, or purple on dark skin.

Symptoms of cellulitis

Cellulitis symptoms may differ from person to person. Common symptoms include:

Pain
Tenderness
Swelling
Warm skin
Bruising
Fluid-filled blisters
Fever
Chills
Fatigue
Dizziness
Muscle aches

Causes of cellulitis

Cellulitis occurs when bacteria invade compromised skin, which can be dry, flaky, swollen, or broken. It often occurs through recent surgical incisions, ulcers, cuts, open wounds, an athlete's foot, or a rash. Additional causes may stem from human or animal bites or injuries incurred in water.

The primary bacteria associated with cellulitis are typically:

Strep: Streptococcus pneumoniae
Staph: Staphylococcus aureus

Risk Factors

The risk of cellulitis is heightened by several factors.

Age: Cellulitis is most likely to occur in middle-aged individuals.
Poor immunity: People with HIV or AIDS or undergoing therapies like chemo or radiation have a higher risk of cellulitis.
Recent Surgery: People who have undergone recent surgery face an elevated risk of infection.
Skin issues: The chances of bacterial entry into the body are higher for people with ongoing skin complications like chickenpox, eczema, athlete's foot, abscesses, etc.
History of cellulitis: People with a history of cellulitis have a 15% chance of recurrence.
Circulatory problems: Poor blood circulation elevates the risk of infection spreading deeper into the skin layers.
Other conditions: The risk of developing cellulitis is higher in people with underlying kidney or liver problems.
Overweight. Obesity increases the risk of developing cellulitis.
Diabetic History: Poorly managed diabetes can compromise the immune system and circulation, leading to skin ulcers.
IV drugs: Injecting drugs, particularly with reused needles, can result in abscesses and skin infections, escalating the risk of cellulitis.

Treatment Options for Cellulitis

The quickest way to treat cellulitis is to take a complete course of antibiotics depending on age, medical history, and a swab sample to detect the type of bacteria causing the infection. Your doctor will typically prescribe oral antibiotics. A severe infection of cellulitis may not get improved oral antibiotics. Such cases require immediate hospitalisation and getting antibiotics and fluids through an intravenous (IV) catheter.

Additionally, some home treatments may help speed up the healing process of cellulitis.

Cold compression helps reduce swelling and improve blood flow.
Elevation of the affected area to lower the blood pressure in the blood vessels.
Intake NSAIDs, such as aspirin and ibuprofen, to reduce pain and inflammation. It is advisable to check with your doctor beforehand.

Cellulitis is expected to go away within a week of starting antibiotics. However, if the infection is more severe, it may require extended treatment.

Prevention

Reduce the chance of cellulitis spreading by appropriately tending to any skin fissures using the following methods:

Use antibacterial soap and water to clean your open wounds daily.
Lubricate your open wounds and sores with an antibiotic ointment.
Cover your wounds with a bandage until they are fully healed.
Change the dressing 2-3 times to avoid any bacterial infection.
Use gloves while touching your open wounds, if required.
Avoid touching or rubbing your affected areas.
Use strong antibiotic soaps to wash your hands.
Immediate medical assistance is needed for any open wounds or deep cuts.
People with diabetes or poor circulation should make it a routine to inspect their feet daily for any indications of injury or infection.
Do not pull out warts or corn, and avoid trimming your toenails too short. This is to prevent bacteria or dust from entering the affected area.
Promptly treat fungal infections as soon as they occur.

Conclusion

Cellulitis is a severe skin disease caused by bacteria that affects the deepest layer of the skin and its underlying tissue. While it can cause significant pain and discomfort and may become life-threatening if untreated, timely treatment at the onset of symptoms can prevent severe damage.

Having a history of cellulitis increases the risk of its recurrence, but individuals can take preventive measures to prevent it from returning.

References

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cellulitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20370762
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15071-cellulitis