Cellulitis - Symptom, Treatment And Causes

Cellulitis is one of the common skin infections caused by bacteria. Streptococcus and staphylococcus bacteria commonly cause cellulitis. It may initially be swollen and red in appearance that feels tender and hot to touch. The swelling and redness generally spreads rapidly.

It is generally painful. In most instances, the lower legs get affected, even though the infection might also take root on other body parts or even the face. Cellulitis generally affects the skin surface, but it might also spread to the tissue layers beneath the skin. Cellulitis might also spread to the bloodstream or lymph nodes.

If a person is suffering from the problem of cellulitis on one side of the body then he/she might experience the following symptoms:

• A person might experience swelling of the specific part of the body.
• A person suffering from the condition of cellulitis may experience pain.
• A person might also experience warmth in the infected area of the body.
• There may be red spots on the skin of the person infected with cellulitis.
• There may be dimpling on the skin.
• A person might experience a fever if he/she is infected with cellulitis.
• There may be a red area on the skin that tends to expands.

When the bacteria streptococcus and staphylococcus enter the skin through the crack then a condition of cellulitis occurs. There is an increase in the incidence of a more serious staphylococcus infection known as methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus. The state of cellulitis can happen at any piece of the body.

However, the most common location for the occurrence of cellulitis is the lower leg. It is through the disrupted skin like cuts, puncture wounds, ulcer, athlete’s foot, and recent surgery a bacteria might enter. A person can also suffer from the infection of cellulitis if an animal bites him/her. If the skin of the person is dry, swollen, or flaky then also the bacteria can enter.This can cause a disturbance in the capacity of the organs.

The infection of cellulitis can be very dangers if a person gets infected by it. Some of the more serious symptoms of cellulitis are inclusive of the following:

• A person might experience chills and shivers.
• A person might also experience extreme tiredness without any physical strain.
• A person might experience dizziness.
• The skin of the person might be warm along with muscle aches and excessive sweating.
• A person might experience lightheadedness.

If these symptoms occur then hospitalization of the person may be required for the proper treatment. Apart from this, the infection of cellulitis is dangerous because it can be contagious as well. It doesn't spread starting with one individual then onto the next.

However, a person can catch cellulitis if a person has an open cut on the skin and it touches the skin of the person that is infected. If a person is suffering from the condition of cellulitis then that person is more likely to catch cellulitis.

The doctor might keep a check on the areas affected for some time to check for the spread of swelling or redness in and around the affected parts, if the symptoms are severe. In few cases, the doctor might carry out blood tests or a wound culture test for checking for bacteria traces. The doctor might start you off with a 10 day or a 21 day regimen of antibiotics for treating cellulitis.

If a person is suffering from the condition of cellulitis then a doctor may advise a patient to consume antibiotics orally for a duration of 5 to 15 days. Some pain killers may be prescribed by the doctor for relieving the pain. A person may also be advised to take rest until the symptoms improve. If any limb of a person is infected then it must be raised above the heart level so that swelling may be reduced.

If a person starts taking antibiotics then the A person might be in need of a longer treatment if the infection is severe.cellulitis may start to go away if a person starts taking antibiotics within 7 to 10 days. An individual may be needing a more extended treatment if the disease is serious. It might be due to a compromised immune system or may be due to a chronic condition. A person should continue to consume antibiotics for the prescribed time even if the symptoms are improved. This is done to ensure all the bacteria are killed.

Some of the home remedies which can be beneficial for the treatment of cellulitis are given below:

• Tea tree oil: It can be very helpful in the treatment of the condition of cellulitis as it has both microbial and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Oregano oil: This oil is very helpful in fighting against staph bacteria as it possesses amazing antibacterial properties.
• Hot or cold compress: This technique can be helpful in the treatment of cellulitis as it provides instant relief from the symptoms of the cellulitis. It is very helpful in the reduction of inflammation and pain.
• Turmeric: It is an excellent source of anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties as it has curcumin present inside it. When it is combined with honey it becomes one of the best home remedies for the treatment of cellulitis.
• Garlic: One of the major constituents of garlic is allicin, which is known for the excellent antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. It reduces the pain and swelling associated with the condition of pain and swelling.