Welcome to The Cellulitis Information Health Network - On a Mission of Preventing & Treating Skin Infection

Cellulitis is an acute inflammation of the skin, caused by infection with staph, strep or other fairly common bacteria (see also cellulitis - streptococcal - Erysipelas is a type of cellulitis (skin infection) generally caused by group A treptococci)

Causes, incidence and risk factors of Cellulitis

The skin normally has many active bacteria's living on it, but healthy skin is an effective barrier which stops skin bacteria from entering and growing inside the body. However, when there's a break in the skin, bacteria can easily enter the body and grow there, causing a bacterial skin infection and skin inflammation. The infected skin area becomes red, hot, irritated and painful.

Cellulitis is most common on the lower legs, face and arms, but skin at other areas of the body may sometimes have a cellulitis infection. Look at this truly shocking chronic cellulitis infection which started in the eyelids and spead to other area near the eye.

The disturbing photo to the right should really inpress upon you the importance of mantaining good health & wellness of your skin in particular.

Risk issues for cellulitis include these factors:

• Insect bites and stings, animal bite, or human bite
• Injury or trauma with a cut in the skin (skin wounds)
• History of peripheral vascular disease
• Diabetes-related or ischemic ulcers
• Recent cardiovascular, pulmonary (lung), dental or other medical procedures
• Use of immuno-suppressive or cortico-steroid medications

Cellulitis Symptoms

• Localized skin redness or inflammation, increasing in size as infection spreads
• Tight, stretched or glossy skin appearance
• Pain or tenderness of the area
• Skin lesion or rash (macule):
  • Sudden onset
  • Usually with sharp borders
  • Rapid growth within the first 24 hours
• Warmth over the area of redness
• Fever
• Other signs of infection:
  • Chills, shaking
  • Warm skin, sweating
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle aches, pains (myalgias)
  • General ill feeling (malaise)

• Nausea and vomiting
• Joint stiffness caused by joint tissue swelling
• Hair loss at the site of infection

Another cause of cellulitis skin infection are tattoo associated infections, defined as a skin infection consistent with staphylococcal infection (i.e. boils, folliculitis and abscess) occurring near or at location of a recent tattoo.d MRSA.

A secondary cause of tattoo related cellulitis skin infections is classified as a skin infection consistent with staph that occurrs in a person who had not received a recent tattoo but has been in close personal contact with a MRSA patient, which MRSA sufferer had received a recent tattoo.

Signs and tests

During a physical examination, the doctor may find localized swelling. Occasionally, swollen glands (lymph nodes) can be detected near the cellulitis.

Cellulitis tests which may be performed:

• A CBC has an elevated white blood cell count, and indicates a bacterial infection.


• A blood culture may be performed if generalized infection is suspected.

Treatment

Cellulitis treatment may require hospitalization if it is severe enough to warrant intravenous antibiotics and close observation. At other times, treatment with oral antibiotics and close out-patient follow-up is enough. Treatment is focused on control of the infection and prevention of complications.

Antibiotics are given to control infection, and analgesics may be needed to control pain.

Elevate the infected area, usually higher than the heart, to minimize swelling. Apply warm, moist compresses to the infected site to fight infection by increasing blood circulation to the tissues. Rest until the symptoms improve.

Expectations

Cure is possible with 7 to 10 days of treatment. Cellulitis may be more severe in people with chronic diseases and people who are susceptible to infection (immunosuppressed).

Complications

• Tissue death (gangrene)
• Sepsis, generalized infection and shock
• Meningitis (if cellulitis is on the face)
• Lymphangitis (inflammation of the lymph vessels)

Calling your health care provider

Call your health care provider if symptoms indicate that cellulitis may be present.

Call your health care provider if you are being treated for cellulitis and new skin infection symptoms develop, such as persistent fever, drowsiness, lethargy, blistering over the cellulitis, or extension of the red streaks.

Prevention

Avoid skin damage by wearing appropriate protective equipment when participating in work or sports. Also, clean any breaks in the skin carefully and watch for redness, pain, drainage, or other signs of infection.

Finally, maintain good overall health and control chronic medical conditions. A healthy body can more easily deal with and fight bacteria before they multiply and cause infection, while a body that is run-down has less natural cellulitis infection protection.