What is cellulitis?
Cellulitis is a bacterial infection that occurs with a break in the skin allowing bacteria to enter. (1,2) Causes can be as simple as scratching due to a rash or dry skin, or something more serious such as an animal bite. (1,2) Cellulitis is caused by bacteria that typically live on the surface of the skin, and in the mouth and nose. (1,2)
How to recognize cellulitis:
Cellulitis may be found on any area of the body and symptoms may include:
- changes in skin color. In lighter skin tones changes may look dark pink or reddened,
while darker skin tones may look dark red, purple, or appear as a darker shade of skin
tone (4)
- warmth of the affected area (1,2)
- swelling or edema (1,2)
- pain (1,2)
Seeking treatment:
It is important to seek treatment as soon as possible. (1,3) This type of infection needs to be quickly diagnosed and treated in order to prevent a more serious condition and hospitalization. (1,4) While cellulitis may be found on any part of the body, common areas are legs, arms, hands and feet. (1,2) Seek care immediately when there is facial involvement. Cellulitis around the eye, known as preseptal cellulitis (6), should be considered an emergency. (1) If cellulitis is left untreated, bacteria may enter the blood stream. (1,3) Bacteria that enters the blood stream is called Bacteremia. (5) Bacteremia can lead to an infection of the brain (meningitis), heart (endocarditis), bone (osteomyelitis), or develop into sepsis (a serious, overwhelming full-body reaction), which can in turn lead to death if left untreated. (1,3,5)
Other reasons to seek emergent care:
- fever and/or chills
- blisters developing at the area of infection
- the affected area feels numb or tingly
- the discolored area of concern is growing larger
- you have been told you are immunocompromised (have a weakened immune
system) and have been told to notify your medical provider with any concern of
infection (1,2)
If there are any concerns as to whether you or a loved one has cellulitis, do not delay treatment. (1,3) Schedule an appointment with your medical care provider, go to an urgent care facility, or if concern for emergent treatment as listed above, go to the Emergency Department near you. (1,3)
How is cellulitis treated?
Antibiotics are used to treat the bacterial infection. (1,2) These antibiotics may be prescribed to take orally if the infection is caught early. (1) Antibiotics need to be taken as directed; in order to prevent the infection from returning, do not stop the antibiotic until it is completed. (2) If the infection is more involved or if it is affecting the face, intravenous (IV) antibiotics may be needed. (1) The bacteria that cause cellulitis are typically of Staph or Strep strains and require antibiotics specifically to treat those organisms. (1,2) If cellulitis involves an extremity, you may need to rest and elevate the area on pillows to help with swelling and discomfort. (1,2) Pain medications may be used to control the discomfort. (1,2)
Can cellulitis be prevented?
Steps can be taken to help prevent cellulitis. Keeping skin clean and dry, and checking in 'hard to see’ areas such as skin folds are very important. (1,2,4) Protect hands and feet with appropriate gloves and footwear. (3) Treat cuts, rashes, bites and burns as soon as they occur by washing with soap and water, and covering to keep clean. (3) Those with conditions such as diabetes, poor circulation, neuropathy, skin conditions that cause cracking of the skin surface, healing wounds, poor mobility, obesity, and cancer are advised to do daily checks of their feet, including between the toes to monitor for cracked skin. (1,2,4) Dried & cracked skin that doesn't clear up with moisturizers should be evaluated by a medical provider for the appropriate way to treat in order to maintain healthy skin. (7)
Sources:
Submitted by Beth Freed, CRNP
Assessed and Endorsed by the MedReport Medical Review Board