A common condition, cellulitis affects over 14 million people in the country, according to the National Institutes of Health database. While the condition is generally manageable with timely and suitable treatments, if left unchecked, it could lead to severe complications. As a result, it is vital to identify the symptoms of cellulitis as soon as possible. This way, one can learn about the causes and begin an effective treatment plan.

What is cellulitis?

Cellulitis is a type of skin infection caused by bacteria. It causes redness, swelling, and pain in the infected areas and can affect people of all ages. However, those with a previous history of cellulitis are more at risk of contracting it as opposed to individuals who have never contracted it.

In general, cellulitis affects the skin on one’s arms and legs. The infection can quickly spread to one’s eyes, mouth, or belly. On lighter skin tones, cellulitis typically appears as red or pink rashes, while on darker skin tones, the rashes can be dark brown, purple, or grey. At first, the bacteria only infects the skin and underlying tissues, but it can quickly spread to the lymph nodes and bloodstream, becoming potentially fatal.

What causes cellulitis?

There are a number of bacteria that can cause cellulitis. However, the most common causes are Streptococcus Pneumoniae (Strep) and Staphylococcus Aureus (Staph). These are predominantly found on the skin and mucus membranes in a healthy individual’s mouth and nose. However, when these bacteria enter an open wound, they can cause cellulitis. The transmission of harmful bacteria can also take place via other cellulitis causes, such as animal bites and injuries sustained inside water bodies.

Although just about anyone can fall prey to cellulitis, some individuals are more prone than others. They include:

• Children
• Individuals who have a cut, ulcer, surgical incision, tattoos, or piercings.
• Individuals with a history of chronic skin conditions, such as an athlete’s foot, psoriasis, or eczema
• Individuals suffering from chickenpox or shingles
• Individuals with a weak immune system

Cellulitis symptoms that should be monitored

When it comes to cellulitis, different individuals might display different symptoms. The most commonly experienced cellulitis symptoms include:

Redness of the skin

Redness in the infected skin area(s) can be observed in almost all cases of cellulitis. This redness can spread as the infection grows across the infected individual’s body.

Swelling

Redness is often accompanied by inflammation of the infected area(s). In fact, most cases of cellulitis begin as a swollen, red patch of skin that spreads and gets severe as the infection progresses.

Tenderness and pain

Many individuals affected by cellulitis complain of tenderness and pain in the infected area(s). The intensity of pain can differ for different individuals. In most cases, though, the severity of the pain is directly proportional to the severity of the infection.

Blisters

Certain individuals can experience painful blisters in the infected skin area(s). These are often accompanied by painful rashes that grow suddenly and rapidly during the first 24 hours of contracting the infection. Blisters often contain a build-up of pus, too.

Fever, headaches, and nausea

At times, infected individuals can experience bouts of fever, headaches, and nausea. As the body begins to cope with the infection, it takes a huge toll on the immune system. Individuals with a weakened immune system are most likely to experience fever and headaches, which could also be accompanied by nausea and dizziness.

Apart from these aforementioned cellulitis symptoms, infected individuals can display any of the following symptoms:

Warm skin in infected area(s)

Bruising

Chills

Weakness

While all of the aforementioned conditions are symptomatic of cellulitis, consult a physician at once if one comes across any of the following fatal symptoms:

A large patch of red, swollen skin that expands with the passage of time

The skin turns black

High fever

A feeling of numbness or tingling in the infected area(s)

Treatments for cellulitis

Prompt treatment of cellulitis symptoms can help prevent the spread of the infection significantly. In most cases, physicians are likely to prescribe antibiotics. However, those experiencing excruciating pain could also be prescribed something to dull the pain in addition.

While the most common cellulitis treatments for oral, intramuscular, or intravenous, the following treatments can help quicken the healing process drastically:

Wet dressings pressed against the infected area(s)

Keeping the infected area(s) clean and hygienic

Keeping the infected area(s) elevated

Rest and relaxation

Ultimately, cellulitis can be treated successfully if diagnosed and treated on time. Serious or fatal complications only arise when the condition goes unnoticed and untreated for a long time. Therefore, please ensure that one consults a physician at once when one experiences any of the cellulitis symptoms mentioned.