Ever had an animal bite or cut swell and feel hot during the healing stages? Or maybe you had a couple of mosquito bites turn into a full blown rash in a couple of days? If this has been the case for you, you may have had cellulitis without even realizing it. Cellulitis is a bacterial skin condition where one of two very common types of bacteria find their way into an open wound, causing infection. Like any other bacterial infection, cellulitis can cause a host of unpleasant symptoms to emerge.
If you have a cut or wound that doesn't seem to be getting better or you have developed a fever, it's important to get medical attention right away. Certain types of bacteria can actually be fatal if they are allowed to proliferate inside of a wound.
Signs and Symptoms of Cellulitis
Since cellulitis is caused by an infected opening of skin or a cut, most symptoms only show up on one side of the body where the injury is. Most cellulitis cases are found on the lower leg, but can show up anywhere on the body where the skin is damaged or broken. The signs of cellulitis include:
- Tenderness or swelling
- Pain in the affected area
- Warmth in the injured area
- Red spots
- Blisters
- Fever
- Skin dimpling
- Expanding red areas of skin
- Rashes
If you suddenly develop a rash that won't stop growing along with a fever, seek medical attention immediately. Cellulitis can be very serious if not treated properly.
Causes of Cellulitis
Cellulitis is caused by bacteria that enters a cut, wound, scrape, or break in the skin. Considered a bacterial skin infection, cellulitis is typically caused by the bacteria streptococcus or staphylococcus. Unfortunately, a more serious strain of staphylococcus is on the rise, called MRSA.
If you have a weakened immune system to due a condition like HIV or are obese, you're more likely to develop cellulitis and have more complications from it. Having had cellulitis before also makes you more prone to getting it again in the future, as does having a chronic skin condition like eczema.
Some people who undergo surgery also experience cellulitis after their procedure is complete. This is most likely due to the wound not being dressed properly or clean enough.
Treating Cellulitis
If caught early, cellulitis is treatable. For most people with diagnosed cellulitis, they will receive oral antibiotics to take until the infection is gone. Most people will only have to take an antibiotic for between 5 to 10 days, while some might have to take an antibiotic for a couple of weeks if their infection is more severe.
Once you seek treatment, your cellulitis symptoms will most likely disappear in a couple of days. For those whose infection doesn't resolve or have a high fever, you may need IV antibiotics. Take the entire course of antibiotics no matter how good you're feeling. Keeping the affected area elevated may also help speed up the recovery process.