Cellulitis

Cellulitis is an acute inflammation of the tissues under the skin. Left untreated, it can spread quickly and steadily — causing serious illness. It also reduces the flow of blood to the infected area, killing off skin cells and surrounding tissue. The death of skin tissue can lead to gangrene, which frequently results in amputation. Cellulitis can occur anywhere on the body, but it's most common on the face, legs and feet. Bacteria that live on the surface of the skin can invade the underlying tissues in many ways. The prick of a thorn, the sting of a bee, burns, and animal or human bites and scratches can carry bacteria to the underlying tissue if the break in the skin is not properly bathed with soap and water and kept clean until it heals. All people can contract cellulitis, but some are more susceptible. Because diabetes sometimes causes nerve damage and poor circulation, those with the disease can easily overlook small breaks in the skin of their legs or feet. If infection occurs and remains untreated, the limbs can become gangrenous, requiring amputation. People whose bodies have trouble fighting infection, such as those with HIV, are also more susceptible. Those who have had varicose vein surgery (stripping), dissection of their lymph nodes (often as a result of a mastectomy), intravenous catheters or orthopedic pins that can carry bacteria from the skin to internal tissues are also more likely to contract the disease. The scare in the 1990s regarding “flesh-eating bacteria” was a form of cellulites called necrotizing fasciitis.  This extreme condition often resulted in amputation or death.

What to Do

You can help avoid cellulitis by cleaning any breaks in the skin thoroughly, using soap and warm water, and by wearing clothing that protects the skin from breaks. Call your doctor if a break in your skin becomes red and painful; or if you show any signs of infection, such as persistent fever, drowsiness, lethargy, blistering or the appearance of red streaks from the center of the infection. Also call your doctor if you have been treated and new symptoms develop.

Use Medicine Effectively

Even mild cases of cellulitis should be treated with antibiotics under the guidance of doctor.

Self-care Steps for Cellulitis

• If you have diabetes, thoroughly examine your feet and legs daily for any breaks in the skin. Remember that an infection can result in gangrene and amputation.

• Elevate an infected area higher than your heart to minimize swelling.

• Apply warm, moist compresses to the site. Heat helps the body fight infection by increasing the blood supply to the infected tissues.

• Rest until your symptoms improve.