An Introduction To Cellulitis Infection

First of all, cellulitis should not be confused with cellulite, which as a cosmetic condition characterized by dimples on the skin. Cellulitis is mainly characterized by inflammation, pain, and physical discomfort. Cellulitis infection is caused by bacteria, which can be acquired from your usual environment or from bacterial growth in your own skin. This article will discuss some common aspects of infection surrounding cellulitis.

The Onset Of Cellulitis And Its Prevalence

Staphylococcus bacteria often cause cellulitis. This is also why cellulitis infection is also called a staph infection. Around a fourth of people have staph in the mouth, nose, foot, anal area, and genitals, and this is considered a normal occurrence. However, staph infections can vary, from a mere boil to flesh-eating infections.

Who Gets Cellulitis Infection?

Cellulitis can develop regardless of your sex, age, or race. Children can get cellulitis infection a day after the occurrence of a wound in the skin. Individuals who have obesity, diabetes, athlete’s foot, poor circulation in the legs, intravenous drug abuse, alcoholism, chronic edema, insect/animal bites, and weak immune systems have higher risks of developing cellulitis.

What Characterizes Cellulitis Infection?

Cellulitis infection is initially characterized by swelling, warmth, redness, pain and tenderness. The infection may be present whether the skin is broken or not. If you have an ulcer or sore on the skin, these may be symptoms of mild cellulitis. One of the worst things about cellulitis is that it can spread easily and actually cause a patient to develop a fever, which is sometimes accompanied by sweating, swelling on any affected area, and chills.

Is Cellulitis Contagious?

The good news is cellulitis is not contagious. Even if you live with someone who has cellulitis, you aren’t at a higher risk of catching the condition from that person. However, touching an open would or sore of an infected person can spread the bacteria that have caused cellulitis. You won’t always develop cellulitis from these bacteria, though you may develop minor skin infections.

How Can I Treat A Cellulitis Infection?

Your doctor will often prescribe antibiotics to you after proper diagnosis. If you are diagnosed with mild cellulitis, you may be asked to take oral antibiotics for several days or until the infection is completely cleared. Individuals with severe cases of cellulitis may require antibiotics that are given intravenously and a stay at the hospital for up to 72 hours. Oral antibiotics may also be prescribed as part of the treatment for severe cellulitis. For even worse cases where the infection is progressing at a considerably high rate, surgical exploration may be required.

As you can see, cellulitis infection can be acquired easily and varies in severity. However, it is not difficult to prevent the infection. Just remember to clean wounds or open cuts regularly and apply the appropriate topical treatment and dressing. Even if you don’t have wounds, it is best to practice good hygiene and moisturize daily.

The information in this article should not replace medical advice from a healthcare professional.