Cellulitis is a bacterial infection in the deeper layers of skin and the fat and soft tissue underneath.
- Cellulitis is a type of bacterial skin infection that can cause symptoms such as pain, swelling, and redness.
- Medical treatment is necessary and typically involves the use of antibiotics administered orally or through an IV.
- Though a person cannot prevent cellulitis from developing, protecting the skin, maintaining a weight that is healthy for them, and managing other health conditions can reduce the risk.
Some bacteria are naturally present on the skin and do not usually cause harm. However, if they enter the skin, an infection can result. Bacteria can enter the skin through cuts, grazes, or bites.
Cellulitis is not the same as cellulite, a harmless “orange peel” effect that can appear on the upper arms and thighs.
Cellulitis is a painful bacterial infection of the deeper layers of skin.
It can start suddenly and may become life threatening without prompt treatment.
Mild cases
The spread will depend, to some extent, on how strong the person’s immune system is.
There are different types of cellulitis, depending on where the infection occurs.
Some types include:
- periorbital cellulitis, which develops around the eyes
- facial cellulitis, which develops around the eyes, nose, and cheeks
- breast cellulitis
- perianal cellulitis, which develops around the anal orifice
Cellulitis can occur anywhere on the body, including the hands and feet. Adults tend to develop cellulitis in the lower leg, while children tend to develop it on the face or neck.
Cellulitis usually begins as a swollen, pink or red patch of skin that may increase in size and severity as the infection spreads.
The following symptoms may occur in the affected area:
- redness and swelling
- warmth
- tenderness and pain
Some people develop blisters, skin dimpling, or spots.
A person may also experience other symptoms of an infection, such as:
- fatigue
- chills and cold sweats
- shivering
- fever
- nausea
In addition, the lymph glands may swell and become tender. Cellulitis in the leg, for example, may affect the lymph glands in the groin.
Early treatment with antibiotics is usually successful. Most people receive treatment at home, but some need to receive it in a hospital.
A doctor may suggest one or more of the following treatments:
Medication
A mild case of cellulitis usually responds to oral antibiotic treatment in 7–14 days. The symptoms may initially worsen, but they usually start easing within 2 days.
Different types of antibiotics can treat cellulitis. The doctor will decide on the best option after taking into account the type of bacteria causing the infection and factors specific to each person.
Most people recover within 2 weeks, but it may take longer if the symptoms are severe.
A doctor may prescribe a low-dose oral antibiotic for a person to take long term to help prevent a reoccurrence.
Treatment in the hospital
Some people with severe cellulitis require hospital treatment, especially if:
- they have a high fever
- they are vomiting
- they are experiencing a reoccurrence of cellulitis
- the current treatment is not working
- their symptoms are becoming more severe
In the hospital, most people with this type of infection receive antibiotic treatment through an IV, with a drip that delivers the medication through a vein in the arm.
Cellulitis is usually
These bacteria are common on the surface of the skin, where they are not harmful.
However, if they enter the skin, usually through a cut or scratch, they can cause an infection.
Cellulitis is not usually contagious but can be spread through contact if a person with an open wound touches skin that has an active infection.
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