Cellulitis

Cellulitis is a bacterial skin infection. The infection goes deep into the skin and reaches the soft tissue underneath. You might see the infection show up on your lower leg. However, it can happen anywhere on your body. Most of the time, cellulitis is not a serious condition. This is especially true if you treat it early. The most common treatment is antibiotics. Still, cellulitis can spread quickly. If left untreated, it can turn into something more serious.

Signs & Symptoms

There are a few common symptoms of cellulitis. It usually shows up in one spot. Your skin in that spot might look red or darker than normal. Your skin might also feel warm, sore or tight. While cellulitis starts in a single spot, it can grow and spread if left untreated. Common cellulitis symptoms include:

• Redness
• Swelling
• Warmth
• Pain
• Tenderness
• Blisters
• Fever
• Chills
• Swollen glands

Some of the signs of cellulitis can feel like the flu. If you see red streaks spreading out from one spot on your body, see your physician as soon as possible.

Causes

The main cause of cellulitis is bacteria. Two common types of bacteria that cause it are known as strep and staph. Everyone has bacteria on their skin. The bacteria is not harmful if it stays on the surface. The problem is when the bacteria get past the skin.

Common entry points:

• Cuts
• Scrapes
• Puncture wounds
• Insect bites
• Animal bites
• Surgical sites
• Cracked skin
• Eczema
• Athlete's foot

Cellulitis is typically not contagious. You are unlikely to catch it from someone who has it.

Risk Factors

Anyone can get cellulitis. There are a few things that increase your risk of getting it. The common theme is an opening in the skin or weaker defense against the infection.

Risk factors for cellulitis:

• Diabetes
• Poor circulation
• Swollen leg
• Extra weight
• History of cellulitis
• Opening on skin

Diagnosis

There is no single test for cellulitis. Your physician will check your skin, ask about your symptoms and examine infected areas. Sometimes a conversation and physical exam are all they need to make a diagnosis. However, they may order additional tests. These tests can include blood work or skin culture. These tests can reveal the type of bacteria and if it has spread. They can also rule out other health issues, such as blood clots.

Treatment

The most common treatment for cellulitis is an antibiotic you take by mouth. Your physician might recommend that you stay on the antibiotic for between five and ten days. Most people notice that their symptoms get better in a few days.

Here are a few steps you can take at home:

• Rest as much as possible.
• Place a cool, damp cloth on the area.
• Lift the affected area above your heart.
• Avoid any activity that might cause a break or opening in your skin.
• If needed, take an over the counter pain reliever.

For more serious cases, you might need more care. An example is if the infection spreads to multiple parts of your body. Additional care can include receiving antibiotics through an IV and a stay in the hospital. Your physician will help create a treatment plan that is right for you.

Prevention

Good skin care helps lower your risk of cellulitis.

Consider these prevention steps:

• Check your skin for new cuts or cracks.
• Clean cuts and scrapes with soap and water.
• Protect wounds with a clean bandage.
• Wash your skin regularly.
• Moisturize your skin.
• Treat athlete’s foot.

If you think you may have cellulitis, go to your nearest Baptist Health ER or urgent care clinic. You can use our Find a Location search feature to find a location near you.