Cellulitis – Causes And Treatment
Cellulitis is a form of bacterial skin infection. It can occur on any part of the body. However, the skin of the lower legs is usually affected by the disease. Compared to adults, children are more susceptible to facial cellulitis.
In the early stage of the infection, cellulitis affects the surface of the skin. If left untreated, the infection becomes complicated, spreading to the connective tissues under the skin. Once the infection spreads to the lymph nodes and bloodstream, the complications could even lead to death.
Like most bacterial infections of the skin, cellulitis occurs when bacteria enter the lower layer of the skin through a crack in the skin. Two strains of bacteria, Streptococcus and Staphylococcus, are responsible for most cellulitis cases. Occasionally other strains of bacteria could cause this skin infection. Certain factors could increase the risk of cellulitis.
Weak immunity is one of the primary reasons of developing cellulitis. Diseases such as HIV infection, lymphocytic leukemia and diabetes could increase the risk of cellulitis. People taking immune suppressing drugs have a greater risk of developing this bacterial infection.
Cracks in skins caused by recurrent fungal infections of the feet and toes could increase the risk of this disease. Bacteria can also enter through broken blisters caused by chickenpox or shingles. Even insect bites or stings could increase the risk of the bacterial infection.
Chronic inflammation of legs and arms, make the skin vulnerable to bacterial invasion. People who are morbidly obese with body mass index over 40, have a risk of developing cellulitis in the skin of the abdomen.
Cellulitis symptoms
Cellulitis is characterized by inflammation, redness, warmth and tenderness of the skin. Fever and pain can also accompany the skin infection.
Cellulitis treatment
Without proper medical intervention, cellulitis could be fatal. Oral antibiotics are prescribed for treating this bacterial infection. To prevent cellulitis, you should be always careful with your skin wounds, especially if you are suffering from diabetes or any diseases that weakens your immune system.
Covering up your wounds with clean bandages would prevent the bacteria from entering the skin. Extracts of anti-inflammatory herbs such as goldenseal root, yarrow or calendula could be applied at the site of the infection. You should increase intake of foods containing nutrients, such as zinc, vitamins C and E that boost immunity.
